John Augustus Atkinson facts for kids
John Augustus Atkinson (born around 1775, died 1830) was a talented English artist. He was known for his amazing engravings and beautiful watercolour paintings.
A Young Artist's Life
John Atkinson was born in London, England. When he was about nine years old, in 1784, he traveled to St. Petersburg, Russia. He went to live with his uncle, James Walker. His uncle was a special engraver for the empress of Russia, Catherine the Great.
While in Russia, John spent a lot of time studying art. He visited many picture galleries. Both Empress Catherine and her son, Paul I, encouraged his artistic skills. Paul I even asked John to paint big pictures about Russian history.
Return to England and Famous Works
In 1801, John Atkinson moved back to England. Two years later, in 1803, he published a very interesting book. It was called A Picturesque Representation of the Manners, Customs, and Amusements of the Russians. This book had 100 detailed pictures, all drawn and etched by John himself.
He also became very good at painting with watercolours. In 1808, he was chosen to join the Society of Painters in Water Colours. This was a big honor for artists who used watercolours.
During the time of the Napoleonic wars, John painted many pictures about ships and the navy. He created many exciting battle scenes. One of his most famous battle paintings was of the Battle of Waterloo. This painting was later turned into an engraving by another artist, John Burnet.
John Atkinson showed his art at the Royal Academy exhibition for the last time in 1829. He passed away in London on March 25, 1830.
Selected Artworks
- Carriage on Sledges (1803) - Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, British Columbia
- A Russian Village (1804) - Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, British Columbia
- Golubtza (1804) - Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, British Columbia
- Village Amusements (1804) - Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, British Columbia
- Scene from Tom Jones - Courtauld Institute of Art, London
- The Slack Rope - Courtauld Institute of Art, London
- A Belgian Waggon with Four Horses - Tate Gallery, London
- Illustrations to Ossian - The Huntington Library, California
- Heaving a Lead (1807) - National Maritime Museum
- Greenwich Pensioners (1808) - National Maritime Museum
- Skating (1810) - Tyne & Wear Museums, England
- Ships of the Reign of King Edward IV (1812) - Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco
- 42nd Highlanders at Waterloo - Courtauld Institute of Art, London
- British Sailors Boarding a Man of War (1815) - National Maritime Museum
