Wilson Online Reference
Cotman
Name
John Sell Cotman, 1782-1842
Connection to Wilson
Artist
Biographical Details
An English marine and landscape painter, etcher, illustrator and author, a leading member of the Norwich school of artists. His father intended him to go into the family business but instead, intent on a career in art, he moved to London in 1797-8, initially making a living through commissions from print-sellers. He came under the patronage of Dr. Thomas Monro, physician to Bridewell and the Bethlehem Hospital, whose house in Adelphi Terrace was a studio and a meeting place for artists. There Cotman made the acquaintance of J.M.W. Turner, Peter de Wint and Thomas Girtin, who became an influential figure in his artistic development. In 1800, aged 18, Cotman exhibited at the Royal Academy for the first time. In January 1834 Cotman was appointed Master of Landscape Drawing at King's College School in London, partly on the recommendation of J.M.W. Turner. In 1836, his son, Miles Edmund was appointed to assist him. Dante Gabriel Rossetti was one of his pupils. Cotman worked in oils, watercolour, pencil and chalk, and produced many hundreds of etchings.
Patronage of Works
Cotman made a number of drawings after Wilson, including two in the collection of the Yale Center for British Art.