John Skippe was an English draughtsman and collector, born in 1742. Not much is known about his early life and training. Skippe is primarily recognized for his collection of Old Master drawings rather than for his own artistic output. His collection included works by prominent artists such as Raphael, Titian, Rubens, and Rembrandt, among others. Skippe lived during a period when collecting art, particularly Old Master drawings, was a popular endeavor among the wealthy and the aristocracy in England.
Skippe's collection was notable for its quality and scope. He was meticulous in his acquisition, seeking works with strong provenance and artistic merit. Although Skippe himself was not as famous as the artists in his collection, his keen eye for art helped preserve a significant body of work that provides insight into the techniques and styles of some of the most influential artists in Western art history.
After his death in 1811, Skippe's collection was eventually sold at auction. The sale of his collection was a significant event in the art world and was met with great interest from collectors and institutions. Parts of his collection have found their way into various museums, allowing the public to appreciate the works that Skippe had carefully assembled during his lifetime. Today, John Skippe is remembered more for his contributions to art collecting and connoisseurship than for his own artistic endeavors.