John Alexander Gresse facts for kids
John Alexander Gresse (1741–1794) was an English painter and drawing teacher. He was known for his beautiful watercolor paintings. He also taught drawing to the royal princesses.
Early Life of a Young Artist
John Alexander Gresse was born in London in 1741. His father came from Rolle, near the Lake of Geneva in Switzerland. He owned land in London where streets like Gresse Street were later built.
John started learning to draw at a young age. He studied with Gerard Scotin, an engraver. He was also one of the first students at the gallery of casts. This gallery was started by the Duke of Richmond.
John was very talented. In 1755, he won an award from the Society of Arts. He won this award for a drawing he made when he was under 14. He won more awards in 1759, 1761, and 1762. By the time he was 21, he had won nine awards for his drawings.
A Career in Art
John Gresse briefly studied with Major, another engraver. He also worked for several years with the famous artist Cipriani. He learned a lot from Zuccarelli too. John Boydell, a well-known art publisher, hired Gresse to make drawings.
Gresse inherited enough money from his father. Because of this, he didn't always push himself to work harder in art. In 1763, he showed a landscape painting at the Free Society of Artists. In 1764, he showed two small paintings and a Madonna.
In 1765, he joined the Incorporated Society of Artists. He showed his work with them for four years. He mostly exhibited small paintings called miniatures. In 1768, he showed a watercolor painting of the Earl of Bessborough's home.
Gresse was very good at watercolor painting. Some of his views were even made into engravings. He became one of the most popular drawing teachers of his time. In 1777, he was chosen to be the drawing teacher for the royal princesses. He quickly became a favorite at court.
Because he was a bit heavy, people sometimes called him ‘Jack Grease.’ He also did some etching. He made the pictures for Kennedy's book about the statues and paintings at Wilton House (1769). He also published a few other etchings, including one after Guido and another after N. Poussin.
Later Life and Legacy
John Alexander Gresse passed away on 19 February 1794. He was 53 years old. He was buried at St. Anne's Church in Soho, London.
Gresse was a big collector of art. After he died, his art collection was sold at an auction. The sale lasted for six days.
