Corbould, Richard Paintings

Richard Corbould was an English artist, born in London on August 4, 1757. He was part of a family with a strong artistic tradition; his father, Richard Corbould Sr., was a well-respected writing master and engraver, which likely influenced his early exposure to the arts. Corbould demonstrated artistic talent from a young age and went on to study under the notable English painter George Romney.

Corbould's artistic career was predominantly focused on historical and literary subjects, which were popular during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. He was an active member of the Royal Academy of Arts, although he never became an Academician. He exhibited at the Academy for several decades, beginning in the 1770s and continuing until his death.

Throughout his career, Corbould also worked as an illustrator for books, contributing to the visual culture of the period by bringing literary narratives to life through his engravings. His illustrations were often featured in editions of works by famous authors such as John Milton and James Thomson. Corbould's skill as an illustrator was highly regarded, and his work contributed to the success of many published books during his time.

Aside from his book illustrations, Corbould also gained a reputation for his larger-scale historical paintings. His works exhibited a strong command of narrative and dramatic composition, drawing viewers into the scenes he depicted. Despite this, he often struggled with financial instability, which was a common plight for artists of the period.

Richard Corbould passed away on December 5, 1831, in London. His legacy continued through his children, several of whom also became artists. His sons, George and Henry Corbould, particularly followed in their father's footsteps, making the Corbould family name synonymous with artistic endeavors throughout the 19th century. The Corbould lineage thus left a lasting imprint on the British art scene, spanning multiple generations.