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Boy with apples
WILSON, Richard (1714-1782
Richard Wilson, originally from Montgomeryshire, is often called ‘the Father of British landscapes’ for the key role he played in the development of the tradition, though he initially trained as a portrait painter. He became the first major artist to popularize images of Wales that went beyond topographical accuracy.
Caiff Richard Wilson, sy’n wreiddiol o Sir Drefaldwyn, ei alw’n aml yn ‘Dad tirluniau Prydain’ am y rôl allweddol a chwaraeodd yn natblygiad y traddodiad, er iddo hyfforddi fel peintiwr portreadau i gychwyn. Ef oedd yr artist mawr cyntaf i boblogeiddio delweddau o Gymru oedd yn mynd y tu hwnt i gywirdeb topograffaidd.)
This unknown boy's relaxed, informal pose is typical of Wilson's approach to portraiture. In about 1729 Wilson moved to London to study with the portrait painter Thomas Wright. Wilson enjoyed moderate success as a portrait painter in his early career, but during his stay in Italy he decided to turn his attention to landscape painting instead. This was a bold decision, as portraiture was the more profitable option for British artists at that time, and landscape painting was generally considered an inferior pursuit.
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