Nathan Drake (artist) facts for kids
Nathan Drake (born around 1728, died 1778) was an English artist. He was known for painting portraits, landscapes, and especially scenes of hunting and sports. He was also a member of the Society of Artists of Great Britain.
The Life of Nathan Drake
Nathan Drake was born in Lincoln, England. His father was a church leader named Rev. Samuel Drake. When Nathan was young, he became an apprentice to his uncle in York. An apprentice learns a trade by working for an experienced person. His uncle was a cabinetmaker. It seems Nathan settled in York around 1752 and lived there for most of his life.
We don't know where Nathan Drake learned to paint. He created many different types of pictures. He painted portraits of people, landscapes (pictures of nature), and detailed views of places. He was also very good at painting sporting scenes, especially hunting. People called him "the best painter of country sports."
Many of his hunting paintings show a country house in the background. For example, one painting from 1769 shows William Tufnell and his hunting dogs at Nun Monkton Priory, York.
In 1771, Nathan Drake became a fellow (a member) of the Society of Artists of Great Britain. Two years later, he showed his artwork with the society.
Drake passed away on February 19, 1778. He was buried in the church of St Michael-le-Belfrey in York.
Famous Artworks by Nathan Drake
Here are some of Nathan Drake's well-known paintings:
- View of Boston (Lincolnshire) was engraved by J. S. Muller in 1751. This is the earliest known work by Drake.
- A view Newport Arch, Lincoln (painted around 1751) can be seen at the Usher Gallery in Lincoln.
- The South East View of the City of York was engraved on copper by Charles Grignion and published in 1756. This artwork is considered a very important picture of York from that time. Two original paintings of this scene are at the York Art Gallery.
- Francis Drake (painted in 1756) was later engraved by Valentine Green in 1771. Francis Drake (1696–1771) was a historian and a distant relative of the artist. This painting is also at the York Art Gallery.
After 1756, Nathan Drake found less success with large paintings. He became more successful painting miniatures, which are very small portraits. A miniature signed "ND" (now at York Art Gallery) is likely one of his works.
Drake's paintings of places, like The Newport Arch, sometimes include groups of people. These groups remind some art experts of the styles used by famous painters like Canaletto or Samuel Scott. He painted only a few portraits, but one small oil painting of a Sportsman is in London. Several of his views and his pictures for James Thomson's poem The Seasons were made into engravings.
Nathan Drake's Family Life
Nathan Drake married Martha Carr at St Michael-le-Belfrey church. In 1763, they moved into Precentor's Court, which became their family home. Their two sons were born there:
- Nathan (1766–1836), who became a doctor and writer.
- Richard (born 1767), who became a surgeon.
