David Martin (artist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
David Martin
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1760 self-portrait
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| Born | 1 April 1737 |
| Died | 30 December 1797 (aged 60) |
| Nationality | Scottish |
| Education | Allan Ramsay; St Martin's Lane Academy |
| Known for | portrait painting |
David Martin (born April 1, 1737 – died December 30, 1797) was a talented Scottish artist. He was known for his paintings and engravings. Martin traveled to Italy and England to study art. He became famous for painting portraits of people.
Contents
Early Life and Art Training
David Martin was born in a place called Anstruther Easter in Fife, Scotland. He was the first of five children. His father, John Martin, was a schoolmaster. His mother was Mary Boyack.
Learning from a Master
When he was young, David Martin went on a trip to Italy. He traveled with his art teacher, Allan Ramsay. Ramsay was a well-known portrait painter. This trip happened between 1756 and 1757.
After returning, Martin became a student. He joined the St. Martin's Lane Academy in London. He won awards there for his life drawing skills. These awards were given every year from 1759 to 1761.
Working with Allan Ramsay
In the 1760s, Martin joined Ramsay's art studio. He became the main artist who drew pictures there. He helped create many portraits of King George III and Queen Charlotte. These were made for their coronation, which is their official crowning ceremony.
Becoming a Portrait Painter
By 1770, David Martin had his own art studio. Around this time, he painted his first self-portrait. This painting is now in the National Gallery of Scotland. It shows him with fair skin and wavy ginger hair.
Famous Portraits and Style
David Martin painted more than 300 portraits in his life. One of his earliest independent works was of Benjamin Franklin. He painted it in 1767. This famous portrait is now in the White House in Washington, D.C.
Martin also painted important Scottish thinkers. These included the chemist Joseph Black and the philosopher David Hume. He also painted noblewomen like the Honourable Barbara Gray. His paintings showed people in an honest and natural way. This helped create a unique Scottish style of portraiture.
Exhibitions and Recognition
Martin showed his art at several important exhibitions. He exhibited with the Incorporated Society of Artists from 1765 to 1777. He even held important roles there, like treasurer and president. He also showed his work at the Free Society of Artists and the Royal Academy.
In 1766, he was listed as a member of a society. This group encouraged arts, manufacturing, and trade. He was noted as a "History Painter" living in Soho Square.
Engraving and Later Life
Besides painting, Martin also made engravings. These were copies of his paintings made using a special printing method called mezzotint. His mezzotints, like the one of Lady Frances Manners, were highly praised. You can see examples of his engravings in the British Museum.
He also created line engravings. One example is of William Murray, 1st Earl of Mansfield. Martin also made engravings of landscapes.
Return to Scotland
In 1780, Martin moved back to Edinburgh, Scotland. This move was marked by him joining the Royal Company of Archers. He also painted a rare full-length portrait of their president, Sir James Pringle.
In 1785, Martin received an important title. He was named the main painter in Scotland for the Prince of Wales.
Final Years
David Martin passed away in 1797 at his home in Edinburgh. He was buried in the graveyard at South Leith Parish Church. After his death, his home and art studio contents were sold at an auction. The auction lasted for 21 days.
A Recent Discovery
In 2018, a TV show called Fake or Fortune? did some research. They confirmed that David Martin painted a portrait of Dido Elizabeth Belle and her cousin Elizabeth. This painting had previously been thought to be by another artist.
Family Life
On July 20, 1771, David Martin married Ann Hill. Sadly, all three of their children died when they were very young.
Images for kids
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Thomas Hay, 9th Earl of Kinnoull
