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William Doughty (painter) facts for kids

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William Doughty by William Doughty
Self portrait, now in the National Portrait Gallery
William Mason by William Doughty
William Mason, now in the National Portrait Gallery

William Doughty was a talented artist from England. He was a painter and an engraver, which means he made pictures by carving designs onto metal plates. William Doughty was born in York in 1757.

Early Life and Training

In 1776, when William Doughty was about 19 years old, he became a student of a very famous painter named Sir Joshua Reynolds. Learning from Sir Joshua Reynolds was a big opportunity for any young artist at that time.

Moving to London

After his training, William Doughty tried to work as a portrait painter in Ireland. However, it didn't go as well as he hoped. So, in 1779, he moved to London to continue his art career.

Journey and Final Years

In 1780, William Doughty decided to travel to Bengal, a region in India. He had just married a young woman who worked at Sir Joshua Reynolds's house. Sadly, his ship was captured by French and Spanish forces during the journey. He was taken to Lisbon, a city in Portugal, where he passed away in 1782.

William Doughty's Artworks

William Doughty showed two of his paintings in public: one called 'Circe' and a portrait of his teacher, Sir Joshua Reynolds. But he was even better known for his etchings and mezzotint portraits. These are special kinds of prints made from engraved plates.

Famous Portraits by Doughty

Here are some of the well-known people whose portraits William Doughty created:

  • Thomas Beckwith, who was an expert on old things from York.
  • Thomas Gray, a famous poet.
  • Admiral Keppel, a naval officer. Doughty made this portrait after a painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds.
  • William Mason, another poet. This was also based on a painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds.
  • Mary Palmer, who was Sir Joshua Reynolds's niece. She later became the Marchioness of Thomond. This portrait was also after a work by Sir Joshua Reynolds.
  • Dr. Samuel Johnson, a very important writer and dictionary maker. This portrait was also based on a painting by Sir Joshua Reynolds.
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William Doughty (painter) Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.