Thomas Kirk (artist)
Encyclopedia
Thomas Kirk was a noted English
artist, book illustrator and engraver of the late 18th century.
A pupil of Richard Cosway
, Kirk exhibited the first of 25 works at the Royal Academy
in 1785, and created many famous engravings based either upon his own work or works by, amongst others, Angelica Kauffmann
, Richard Westall
or Sir Joshua Reynolds
.
Although he illustrated James Thomson's The Seasons in 1793, he was employed most consistently by Cooke for his editions of celebrated works of literature. Cooke's Pocket Edition of English Poets (1796-8) was especially popular, and Kirk's illustrations impressed many of his contemporaries. Edward Dayes
said of him: 'He passed like a meteor through the region of art'.
Original drawings by him are rare, often in oval format, and owing much to the influence of Kauffman. The draughtsmanship is of the highest quality and some his pictures are described as 'ornamented' by R. W. Satchwell, who occasionally drew the surrounds.
However, his promising career was cut short through illness. Working to the end, he died in 1797 of consumption (i.e. tuberculosis
), having exhibited his final works at the Royal Academy (Evening and A Dream) the previous year. His last known address was 8, Judd Place West, New Road, London.
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
artist, book illustrator and engraver of the late 18th century.
A pupil of Richard Cosway
Richard Cosway
Richard Cosway was a leading English portrait painter—more accurately a miniaturist—of the Regency era. He was a contemporary of John Smart, George Engleheart, William Wood, and Richard Crosse...
, Kirk exhibited the first of 25 works at the Royal Academy
Royal Academy
The Royal Academy of Arts is an art institution based in Burlington House on Piccadilly, London. The Royal Academy of Arts has a unique position in being an independent, privately funded institution led by eminent artists and architects whose purpose is to promote the creation, enjoyment and...
in 1785, and created many famous engravings based either upon his own work or works by, amongst others, Angelica Kauffmann
Angelica Kauffmann
Maria Anna Angelika/Angelica Katharina Kauffman was a Swiss-Austrian Neoclassical painter. Kauffman is the preferred spelling of her name; it is the form she herself used most in signing her correspondence, documents and paintings.- Early years :She was born at Chur in Graubünden, Switzerland,...
, Richard Westall
Richard Westall
Richard Westall was an English painter and illustrator of portraits, historical and literary events, best-known for his portraits of Byron. He was also Queen Victoria's drawing master.-Life and works:...
or Sir Joshua Reynolds
Joshua Reynolds
Sir Joshua Reynolds RA FRS FRSA was an influential 18th-century English painter, specialising in portraits and promoting the "Grand Style" in painting which depended on idealization of the imperfect. He was one of the founders and first President of the Royal Academy...
.
Although he illustrated James Thomson's The Seasons in 1793, he was employed most consistently by Cooke for his editions of celebrated works of literature. Cooke's Pocket Edition of English Poets (1796-8) was especially popular, and Kirk's illustrations impressed many of his contemporaries. Edward Dayes
Edward Dayes
Edward Dayes was an English watercolour painter and engraver in mezzotint.-Life:He studied under William Pether, and began to exhibit at the Royal Academy in 1786, sending views of Waltham and Canterbury; in the three following years he exhibited miniatures as well as landscapes...
said of him: 'He passed like a meteor through the region of art'.
Original drawings by him are rare, often in oval format, and owing much to the influence of Kauffman. The draughtsmanship is of the highest quality and some his pictures are described as 'ornamented' by R. W. Satchwell, who occasionally drew the surrounds.
However, his promising career was cut short through illness. Working to the end, he died in 1797 of consumption (i.e. tuberculosis
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis, MTB, or TB is a common, and in many cases lethal, infectious disease caused by various strains of mycobacteria, usually Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis usually attacks the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body...
), having exhibited his final works at the Royal Academy (Evening and A Dream) the previous year. His last known address was 8, Judd Place West, New Road, London.