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Samuel Alken

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Samuel Alken
Born22 October 1756
London, UK
Died9 November 1815 (aged 59)
London, UK
EducationRoyal Academy Schools
Known foraquatint

Samuel Alken Sr. (22 October 1756 in London – 9 November 1815 in London) was an English artist,[1] a leading exponent of the newly developed technique of aquatint.

History

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Samuel Alken entered the Royal Academy Schools, London, as a sculptor in 1772. He published A New Book of Ornaments Designed and Etched by Samuel Alken in 1779, and later established himself as one of the most competent engravers in the new technique of aquatint.

His works included plates after George Morland, Richard Wilson, Thomas Rowlandson and Francis Wheatley.[2] His plates for Sixteen views of the lakes in Cumberland and Westmorland after drawings John Emes and John Smith [3][4] were published in 1796,[2] and a set of aquatint views of North Wales after drawings by the Rev. Brian Broughton[5] in 1798.[2]

Relatives

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The Alken family claims several well-known artists.[6]

See also

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Bibliography

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  • S. T. Prideaux: Aquatint Engraving (London, 1909, rev. 1968)
  • M. D. George: A Catalogue of Political and Personal Satires, London, B.M. cat., vii (London, 1942)

References

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  1. ^ The Grove Dictionary of Art David Alexander on Samuel Alken at artnet.com
  2. ^ a b c "Alken, Samuel" . Dictionary of National Biography. London: Smith, Elder & Co. 1885–1900.
  3. ^ "List Of New Publications, And New Editions". The Register of the Times, or: Political Museum. 6: 67. 1795.
  4. ^ "Sixteen views of the lakes in Cumberland and Westmorland". Yale Center For British Art. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  5. ^ "Conway Castle, Carnarvonshire / Six Picturesque Views in North Wales". British Museum. Retrieved 29 August 2015.
  6. ^ The Grove Dictionary of Art on Alken at artnet.com