Samuel Cooper (painter) facts for kids
Samuel Cooper (born 1609 – died May 5, 1672) was a very famous English artist. He was known for painting tiny, detailed portraits called miniatures. These small artworks were often kept in lockets or small frames. Samuel was also the younger brother of another artist, Alexander Cooper.
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Early Life and Training
Samuel Cooper was born in London, England. He learned how to paint from his uncle, John Hoskins, who was also a skilled miniature painter. This early training helped Samuel become one of the best artists of his time.
A Man of Many Talents
Samuel Cooper was not just a great painter. He was also a talented musician who played the lute very well. He could speak French easily, showing he was good with languages too. People who knew him, like the famous diarist Samuel Pepys, described him as a short, strong man with a friendly face.
He lived in Henrietta Street in Covent Garden, London. He often visited the local coffee-house, which was a popular place for people to meet and chat in those days.
Family Life
Samuel Cooper was married to a woman named Christiana. Her portrait can be seen at Welbeck Abbey. They had one daughter together. Interestingly, Christiana's sister, Edith, was the mother of the famous poet Alexander Pope.
Painting Famous People
Samuel Cooper painted many important people during his life.
Portraits for Important Figures
In 1668, Samuel Pepys asked Cooper to paint a portrait of his wife, Mrs. Pepys. Cooper charged £30 for this painting, which was a lot of money back then! He also painted a portrait of John Aubrey, a writer and scientist. This portrait was given to the Ashmolean Museum in 1691.
Cooper even painted King Charles II. In 1662, the writer John Evelyn saw Cooper drawing the king's face. This drawing was used to create the design for new coins.
Where to See His Art
Today, you can find Samuel Cooper's amazing miniature paintings in many famous places. Some of his works are at Windsor Castle, Belvoir Castle, and Ham House in England. You can also see his art at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.
One of his largest miniatures is owned by the Duke of Richmond and Gordon at Goodwood. His own self-portrait is part of a collection belonging to Mr. J. Pierpont Morgan.
His Final Years
Samuel Cooper died on May 5, 1672. Another miniature painter named Mary Beale wrote about his death in her diary. She called him "the most famous limner of the world for a face," which means she thought he was the best portrait painter ever.
He is buried at St Pancras Old Church in London. His memorial, a special stone monument, is on the far east wall of the church.
