Alexander Cooper facts for kids
Alexander Cooper (born December 11, 1609 – died 1660) was an English artist. He was famous for painting very small, detailed portraits called miniatures. He created these artworks during the Baroque period, which was a style of art popular in the 1600s.
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Alexander Cooper's Life and Art
Alexander Cooper was born in London, England. He was the older brother of another well-known painter, Samuel Cooper. Alexander learned how to paint from an artist named Peter Oliver (painter).
Early Career and European Journeys
Cooper worked in London from 1633 to 1642. After that, he traveled to The Hague in the Netherlands. There, he became a member of a group of artists called the Guild of Saint Luke. He was part of this guild from 1644 to 1646.
After a brief stay in Amsterdam, Cooper moved to Sweden in 1646. He became a "court painter" for Queen Christina. This meant he was the official artist for the royal family. People at the time thought he was the best miniature painter using watercolors. He took over this important role from another artist, David Beck, when Beck returned to The Hague.
Royal Connections and Later Years
According to official Swedish documents, Alexander Cooper was Jewish. His full name was recorded as Abraham Alexander Cooper. He had lived in the United Provinces before coming to Sweden. He continued to be Queen Christina's miniature painter until 1654, when she gave up her crown.
Two years later, Cooper was in Denmark. He completed some art projects for King Christian IV. By 1657, he was back in Stockholm, Sweden. He passed away there in early 1660, when he was about 50 years old.
Famous Works and Legacy
Alexander Cooper's paintings are quite rare today. Some of his most important works include a series of portraits. These show Frederick V, Elector Palatine and Elizabeth of Bohemia, along with their children. This group included Charles I Louis, Elector Palatine, Elisabeth of Bohemia, Princess Palatine, Prince Rupert of the Rhine, Edward, Count Palatine of Simmern, and Sophia of the Palatinate.
By the late 1800s, these portraits were owned by Wilhelm II of Germany. Other notable portraits were held by Wilhelmina of the Netherlands. Some of his works were also owned by King Gustav V of Sweden and displayed in various Swedish art galleries.
It is believed that Alexander Cooper might be the same painter known as Ioannes Coepers from England. This artist was mentioned in a book about painters called Het Gulden Cabinet by Cornelis de Bie.
