The Palace and Park by Phillips, Forbes, Latham, Owen, Scharf, and Shenton

[Born at Plymouth, 1746. Died 1831. Aged 85.] The son of a watchmaker, and intended for his father’s business; but, at an early age, he transferred his affections from the parental shop to the more genial region of art. In 1771, he attracted the notice of Reynolds, under whose eye he studied for a time, and in 1777, set out for Italy. In 1783, first exhibited at the Royal Academy. In 1787, elected Royal Academician. The subjects of Northcote are chiefly historical, but he is not remarkable for power, or originality of conception. Although he displayed considerable skill in composition and colouring, as well as some vigour of expression, his ability in art was by no means equal to his enthusiasm and his application. Northcote was also a writer on art, and the author of a Life of Reynolds. At the age of eighty-four he published a Life of Titian. He was penurious and eccentric, and not a favourite with his brother Academicians. [By E. H. Baily, R.A., 1821.] 392A. JAMES NORTHCOTE. _Painter._ [Modelled from the life, and executed in marble, by Joseph Bonomi. Presented by J. S. Scoles, Esq.]