S/95788 Bull and Cows by John Laporte

1761 to 1839

Oil on Canvas

Canvas size: 12x17.75 in. (30.5x45 cm.)
Frame size: 17.25x23 in. (44x58.5 cm.)

John Laporte painted in both oil and watercolour and was born in 1761. He was the father of the well known artist, George Henry Laporte, 1799-1873, who painted animal and sporting subjects and the lesser known Miss Mary Ann Laporte, flourished 1799-1873, who painted portraits and figure subjects, in particular of children. He was a pupil of John Melchior Barralet, circa 1750 - circa 1787, and painted mainly in watercolour with bodycolour, occasionally combining them with soft-ground etching. He was an accomplished engraver and produced a series of soft-ground etchings after Gainsborough with William Frederick Wells, 1762-1836. In his topographical works he was influenced by Paul Sandby, 1725-1809, and in his landscapes often used a strong line of a wood or cliff at a diagonal to the horizon. He became a drawing master at Addiscombe Military Academy as well as taking many private pupils, including Doctor Thomas Monro, 1759-1833. He was one of the founder members of the Associated Artists in Watercolours in 1808, which was short-lived disbanding in 1812. Among his books that were published were 'Sketches of Trees (1798-1801) and 'Progress of Watercolour Drawing'.
He exhibited at the Watercolour Society and at the British Institution, 1807-1835, The Royal Society of British Artists, 1825-1835, and the Royal Academy from 1779 till 1832, his first work shown there titled, 'A View near Harrow, Middlesex; a drawing'. Examples of his work may be seen at the British Museum and at the Victoria and Albert Museum. He died in London in 1839.

EXHIBITED:- 1779-1835
109 Royal Academy
102 British Institution
17 Royal Society of British Artists