Richard Wilson stands as a pivotal figure in the annals of British art, renowned as an influential Welsh landscape painter who left an indelible mark on the artistic landscape of both Britain and Italy.

Born on 1 August 1714 in the village of Penegoes in Montgomeryshire (now Powys), Wilson was the son of a clergyman, inheriting a rich cultural heritage. His familial connections, including being a cousin to Charles Pratt, 1st Earl Camden, provided him with a solid foundation.

Wilson's artistic journey began in London in 1729, where he initially ventured into portrait painting under the tutelage of Thomas Wright. However, his true calling emerged during his time in Italy from 1750 to 1757, where he transitioned into landscape painting under the guidance of Francesco Zuccarelli. It was in Italy that Wilson honed his craft, becoming the first major British painter to dedicate himself to landscape art.

Inspired by the works of Claude Lorrain and the Dutch landscape tradition, Wilson developed a distinctive style characterised by his focus on the general effects of nature, creating idealised landscapes infused with a classical aesthetic. His mastery of composition and color earned him accolades, with John Ruskin praising his ability to capture "exquisite tones of colour."

Wilson's oeuvre encompassed a range of subjects, from idealised Italianate landscapes to scenes inspired by classical literature. Notable among his works is "The Destruction of the Children of Niobe," which garnered widespread acclaim and led to numerous commissions from landowners seeking classical portrayals of their estates.

Throughout his career, Wilson served as a mentor to aspiring artists, including the renowned painter Thomas Jones, and his influence extended to later generations of landscape painters such as Constable, John Crome, and Turner.

Wilson's artistic legacy endures through his extant works, which include stunning landscapes such as "St Peters and the Vatican from the Janiculum, Rome," "Valley of the Mawddach with Cader Idris," and "View in Windsor Great Park." His contributions to the art world were commemorated in a pioneering exhibition organised by Mary Woodall in 1948.

Richard Wilson passed away on 15 May 1782, leaving behind a body of work that continues to captivate and inspire audiences, reaffirming his status as one of the most distinguished painters Wales has ever produced and a trailblazer in the realm of landscape painting.

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