John Opie - Thomas Abraham of Gurrington, Devon - Google Art Project

John Opie (16 May 1761 - 9 April 1807) was a British painter and portraitist. He was born in Cornwall, England, and showed an early talent for drawing. He became a pupil of the artist John Wolcot (Peter Pindar) and later studied at the Royal Academy in London. Opie's early works were mainly portraits, painted in a realistic style. He became known for his ability to capture the likeness and character of his sitters. His portraits proved popular with the public and he was soon in demand as a portrait painter. In addition to portraiture, Opie also painted historical and literary subjects. He was influenced by the work of the old masters, especially Rembrandt and Titian, and his paintings often had a dramatic and emotional quality. Opie was a member of the Royal Academy and was appointed professor of painting in 1805. He died two years later, aged 46. Today, Opie's work can be found in many major museums and galleries around the world, including the National Portrait Gallery and Tate Britain in London.