Untitled portrait [proof copy, 'William Cowper Esq.r' 1806.]

Social History (Museum of St Albans)

1982.1804

Stipple and crayon manner engraving, portrait of William Cowper Esq.r (1731 - 1800). 203 x 280 mm (plate size). Artist's proof of print 1982.1805, which was engraved by F. Bartolozzi R.A. from a drawing by T. Laurence R.A. Published by J. Johnson, St Paul's Church yard, January 1 1806. William Cowper was a poet of the evangelical revival, wrote hymns, translated Milton's Latin poems, and is most famous for The Task, a long poem on rural themes. He was born in Berkhamsted, in Hertfordshire in 1731. He suffered from periods of severe depression for much of his life and was sent to Dr. Nathaniel Cotton's asylum at St. Albans around 1763 for recovery following a series of suicide attempts. Dr. Cotton treated Cowper in his private asylum, the 'Collegium Insanorum' which stood on Lower Dagnall Street, and gave its name to College Street which covers part of the site of the asylum.

1806

PX9244cowper.tif

CD 875

Amy Cooke

[not applicable].

PWD box 14

04/03/2008