Captain George K. H. Coussmaker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Captain George K. H. Coussmaker |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| Artist | Joshua Reynolds |
| Year | 1782 |
| Medium | oil painting |
| Dimensions | 238.1 cm × 145.4 cm (93.7 in × 57.2 in) |
| Location | Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York City |
Captain George K. H. Coussmaker (1782) is a large oil painting by the famous British artist Joshua Reynolds. It shows Captain George K. H. Coussmaker, a military officer, standing proudly with his horse. This impressive artwork is now displayed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
About Captain Coussmaker
George K. H. Coussmaker was born in London in 1759. His parents were Evert and Mary Coussmaker. When he was 17, in 1776, he joined the military. He was promoted several times during his career. Even though he was an officer, he never fought in any battles. He retired from the military in 1795.
In 1790, Captain Coussmaker married Catherine Southwell. They had two children together: a son named George and a daughter named Sophia. Sophia later became known as the Baroness de Clifford. Captain Coussmaker passed away in 1801.
Creating the Painting
To create this portrait, Captain Coussmaker posed for Joshua Reynolds many times. He sat for the artist 21 times between February and April of 1782. His horse also posed for the painting 8 times during the same period.
Joshua Reynolds was paid 205 pounds for the artwork. This was a lot of money back then! An extra 10 guineas was paid just for the frame that held the painting.
Journey of the Painting
The portrait of Captain Coussmaker stayed with his family for many years. It remained with him and his descendants until 1884.
In 1884, the painting was sold to a wealthy American named William K. Vanderbilt. Vanderbilt was a well-known businessman and art collector. He loved the painting and kept it in his collection.
When William K. Vanderbilt died in 1920, he left the painting to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This is how the museum got this amazing artwork. Today, museum experts describe the painting as "an exceptionally fine work." They also note that "The composition is complex and the whole vigorously painted," meaning it's very detailed and painted with great energy.
