
Richard Cook (1784 – 11 March 1857) was an English artist.
Life
Cook was born in London in 1784, and entered the schools of the
Royal Academy
The Royal Academy of Arts (RA) is an art institution based in Burlington House in Piccadilly London, England. Founded in 1768, it has a unique position as an independent, privately funded institution led by eminent artists and architects. Its ...
in 1800. He was a constant contributor to the exhibitions from 1808 to 1822, during which time he painted several landscapes, scenes from ''
The Lady of the Lake
The Lady of the Lake (, , , , ) is a title used by multiple characters in the Matter of Britain, the body of medieval literature and mythology associated with the legend of King Arthur. As either actually fairy or fairy-like yet human enchantres ...
'', and in 1817, having been elected an Associate in the preceding year, a more ambitious work, entitled ''Ceres, Disconsolate for the Loss of Proserpine''.
It is now in the collection of the Royal Academy. A contemporary critic described it as "an elegant and well painted illustration of this well known subject", adding that "the architectural accessories are better than English painters are in the habits of using, and are in themselves correct and appropriate"
In 1822 he became a
Royal Academician
The Royal Academy of Arts (RA) is an art institution based in Burlington House in Piccadilly London, England. Founded in 1768, it has a unique position as an independent, privately funded institution led by eminent artists and architects. Its ...
, and almost from that time forward, and certainly for many years preceding his death, he seems to have abandoned painting, and ceased to contribute to the annual exhibitions of the Academy, his private fortune enabling him to live independently of his art. He died in London in 1857.
He illustrated editions of ''The Lady of the Lake'' and ''
Gertrude of Wyoming''.
References
Sources
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External links
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Cook, Richard
1784 births
1857 deaths
19th-century English painters
English male painters
Painters from London
Royal Academicians
19th-century English male artists