Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Artaud, William
ARTAUD, WILLIAM (fl. 1776–1822), portrait painter, was the son of a jeweller. In 1776 he gained a premium from the Society of Arts; in 1780 exhibited his first work, a ‘St. John,’ in the Academy; in 1784 and 1786 he sent portraits in oil to the same place. He gained the gold medal of the Academy for a picture from ‘Paradise Lost,’ and (in 1795) the travelling studentship. In 1822 his name appears as an exhibitor at the Academy for the last time. He painted portraits of Bartolozzi, Samuel Parr, Priestley, and other well-known characters. Nagler gives a list of engravings after his paintings. The date of his death is not known. ‘His portraits were cleverly drawn, and painted with great power. They have individuality of character, but want expression.’
[Nagler, 2nd ed.; Redgrave's Dict. of Eng. Painters.]