Page:Dictionary of Artists of the English School (1878).djvu/179



FORRESTER,, engraver. Practised about 1760. He resided some time in Italy, and in 1761 sent a large landscape from Rome to the Academy Exhibition. He etched some Italian scenes, whose chief merit is their neat execution.

FORSTER,, miniature draftsman. He practised at the beginning of the 18th century. He drew on vellum with the black-lead pencil, and many well-finished miniatures in this manner, carefully drawn and expressed, are known. They are dated and signed with his name, which is well worthy of record, though no other particulars respecting him can be traced.

FOSTER,, portrait painter. Born in Ireland. Came to England at the age of 15 or 16, and entered as a student of the Royal Academy in 1818, and the next year, and in each succeeding year to 1825, contributed to the Academy Exhibitions. He copied several of Lawrence's portraits, and made rapid advance as a portrait painter. He painted a picture of 'Mazeppa,' which gained him notice; and in 1823 exhibited 'Domestic Quarrels' and a portrait of Miss Tree and of Mr. J. Wilson Croker, in whom he found a friend and patron. In 1825 he exhibited 'Paul and Virginia.' His connections were respectable, his manners and person agreeable, but his love of society interfered with his art, in which he no less continued to make good progress. He is said, however, to have desponded over an ambitious work he had commenced, or, as was hinted, to have fallen hopelessly in love with a young lady whose portrait he was painting. From whatever cause, he unhappily committed suicide in March 1826, in his 29th year. He left a note saying that his friends had forsaken him, that he knew no cause, and that he was tired of life.

{{dropinitial| } }} amateurs. Two brothers, who were eminent printers in Glasgow, remarkable for the beauty and elegance of their editions of the classics. Their taste for the fine arts induced them to establish an academy of painting and sculpture in Glasgow, and to undertake, at their own charge, the instruction of young artists, and even to provide for the continuance of their studies in Italy. This generous undertaking partially succeeded, mainly in the branches of drawing and engraving, but for want of support the efforts of the two brothers were unsuccessful, and the fortunes which they had realised by printing were swallowed up by the charges of their academy which led to their ruin. Andrew died September 15, 1775, Robert in the following year. Mention will be too frequently made in this work of eminent artists who studied in Foulis's Academy to permit of the omission of their names.

FOULSTON,, architect. Was born in 1772, and was a pupil of Thomas Hardwick. In 1796 he commenced practice for himself, and in 1811 was a successful competitor for a large building at Plymouth, comprising the Royal Hotel, Assembly Rooms, and Theatre. This induced him to settle in Plymouth, and establishing a reputation there, he was the architect of several public and private buildings of great merit in the West of England. He died near Plymouth. January 13, 1842. He published his chief designs, 'Public Buildings erected in the West of England.' 1838.

FOUNTAIN, ——, portrait painter. There are engravings of portraits painted by him in the reigns of George I. and of George II.

FOURDRINIER,, engraver. Born in France. He came to this country and settled in London. He was chiefly employed upon plates for the illustration of books, and engraved the 'Four Ages of Man,' after Lancret; also the plates for a folio volume of 'The Villas of the Ancients,' published in 1728, and the plans and elevations of Houghton Hall. These architectural plates are carefully executed, but his manner was weak and black. He died in London, February 3, 1758, leaving many descendants.

FOURDRINIERE,, engraver. Born in England. He excelled in architectural engraving, and was also largely employed upon illustrated frontispieces by the booksellers. He died about 1769.

FOURNIER,, engraver. He is believed to have been originally an engraver by profession, but eventually he