Mary Black (artist) facts for kids
Mary Black (born around 1737 – died November 24, 1814) was a talented English artist. She was famous for painting portraits, which are pictures of people.
Mary Black's Life as an Artist
Mary Black was born in London, England, around 1737. Her father, Thomas Black, was also an artist. Mary was the first of two children.
By 1760, Mary was working as an assistant. She helped another famous artist named Allan Ramsay. Mary would make copies of paintings by "Old Masters." These were very famous artists from earlier times.
Mary also got special jobs, called commissions, to paint portraits. She painted Dr. James Mounsey, who was a doctor in the Russian royal court. She also painted his cousin, Dr. Messenger Mounsey. The portrait of Dr. Messenger Mounsey still exists today. It is kept at the Royal College of Physicians in London. For many years, people thought her father had painted it.
In 1768, Mary showed four of her portraits at an art show. This was with the Society of Artists. Later, she became an honorary member of this important group.
Besides painting portraits, Mary also taught art. She gave lessons to people from wealthy and important families. Mary earned enough money to live on her own. She had her own home with servants and a carriage. She never married. Mary Black died suddenly at her home in London in 1814.
