Page:Dictionary of Artists of the English School (1878).djvu/209

Rh was much employed by the booksellers. He engraved, from Hayman's designs, the illustrations for Baskerville's edition of Addison's works, some of Frederick the Great's battles and sieges, and was employed upon Pennant's 'Scotch Tour' and a 'History of England,' for which he engraved a series of full-length portraits, mostly fictitious, of the Kings and Queens, with many other works of this class. He does not take much rank in his profession. He died in the King's Road, Chelsea, October 14, 1787.

GRIGNON,, engraver. He is reputed to have been born in Covent Garden, of foreign parents, in 1716. In early life he studied in Paris under Le Bas for a short time. He was a member of the St. Martin's Lane Academy. He was employed by Hogarth, and engraved his 'Garrick in the Character of Richard III.,' and assisted in engraving the four election pictures. He also engraved many of Gravelot's illustrative designs. In 1755 he was a member of the Committee of Artists appointed to establish a royal academy. There are some good examples of his art in the illustrations to Bell's 'Poets,' particularly those after Stothard, about 1778. Though not engaged on works of large size or high importance, his art is distinguished by a masterly ease of style and purity of execution. But as he advanced in years he was superseded by the more finished and powerful manner of the school which then grew up, and after nearly 50 years' labour, was subjected to poverty, with its sufferings and trials. He had arrived at the great age of 90 years, past the practice of his art, and had a wife with a daughter nearly blind dependent upon him, when in 1808 subscriptions for his relief were solicited by advertisement, and some provision was made for his few remaining days. He died at Kentish Town. November 1, 1810, aged 94, and was buried in the churchyard of St. John the Baptist.

GRIMALDI, enamel and miniature painter. He was born in Middlesex in 1751, and claimed descent from the great Genoese family whose name he bore. He studied his art under Worlidge, and afterwards in Paris. He first exhibited at the Free Society of Artists in 1768-69, and afterwards at the Academy in 1786, and then as De Grimaldi, but soon omitted the prefix. He practised at Portsmouth, Southampton, Gloucester, Worcester, Chester, and Shrewsbury; from 1777 to 1785 in Paris, and in this latter year settled in London. He painted both in enamel and on ivory, had many sitters of distinction, and was largely employed. He was miniature painter to George III., to the Duke and Duchess of York, and in 1824 to George IV., but did not continue to exhibit after that year. He resided many years at Albemarle Street, but died in Pimlico, May 27. 1830.

GRIMBALDSON, landscape painter. He practised early in the 18th century. There was a sale of his works, which do not appear to have been much esteemed, in 1738.

GRIMM, water-colour draftsman. Born at Burgdorf, Berne, the son of a clever miniature painter there, of whom he learnt his art. He came to London, where he settled, about 1778, and in that and the following year exhibited some views in the Spring Gardens Rooms. He drew with the pen and in water-colours, was much employed in topographical works, and sketched numerous views in Sussex, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, and other counties. He made above 100 sketches in Northumberland and Durham for Sir R. Kaye, and the drawings for Sir William Burrell's 'Sussex.' He was occasionally employed by the Society of Antiquaries, and the Society published his views of Cowdray House for their 'Vetusta Monumenta.' Above 500 of his drawings were sold by auction in July 1795. They were chiefly executed with the pen and shaded with bistre, but some were tinted and more highly finished. His buildings were correct, his skill in architecture and perspective respectable, but his trees and foliage stiff and weak. He also was known by his caricatures and humorous subjects, many of which were published by Carrington Bowles. He exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1769 and several following years. His subjects were 'Falstaff Recruiting,' 'A Swiss Fair,' 'Mortlake Fair,' and several from Shakespeare. There are also some etched plates by him. He died April 14, 1794, aged 60, in Tavistock Street, Covent Garden, and was buried in the parish church.

GROGAN,, landscape painter. Was born in Cork, and apprenticed to a wood turner. Was fond of art, gained some assistance from John Butts, and then taught drawing in Cork. He served in the army during the American War, and afterwards returned to Cork, where he tried to gain a livelihood as an artist. He painted landscapes and some humorous subjects illustrating Irish character. His best known works of this class are an 'Irish Fair' and an 'Irish Wake.' He published views in the neighbourhood of Cork, aqua-tinted by himself, and a large plate of the 'Country Schoolmaster.' He died at Cork about 1807. Though highly extolled by his countrymen, his works are coarse, and have not much art merit. He left two sons, who practised as artists, struggling to earn the means of living.

GROOMBRIDGE,, water- 188