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the last 20 years of his life were passed in London. In 1835 he was living at Bel- fast, and in that year, for the first time, exhibited at the Royal Academy in London 'The Eventful Consultation. ' In 1838 he came to reside in the Metropolis, and from that time was a constant contributor to the Academy Exhibitions — chiefly portraits— and he became esteemed for his portrait- groups. He died in 1857, or early in 1858.
CRUIKSHANKj Isaac, caricaturist. Born at Edinburgh in 1756-7. His father was one of the followers of the Pretender in 1745; was impoverished, and came to London with his son, whom ne soon left an orphan. Isaac tried his hand as a caricatur- ist, and in 1796 published his first print in defence of Pitt, then attacked by the pencil of Gillray. Following this manner, he was the author of the greater part of the humor- ous designs published by; Messrs. Lawrie & Whittle, illustrating Bean Swift, Joe Miller, John Browne, and other works of this class. Some of his water-colour drawings are well finished, and are not without merit. He exhibited at the Aca- demy in 1789-90 and 1792. He engraved some works in the stipple manner. He died in London from the effects of a severe cold in 1810 or 1811. He was the father of the well-known artists, George and Robert
• CRUIKSHANK, George, subject de- signer and etcher. Was born in London, September 27, 1792, and was the youngest son of the above Isaac Oruikshank. He early showed a taste for art, but never studied at the Royal Academy Schools. His father dying while George was still young, he turned his attention to illustrat- ing children's tales, and gradually extended his practice, working largely as a book- illustrator for many of the publishers of the day. From his strong inclination for satire and caricature, he became the con- tributor of a monthly design to 'The Scourge,' and to ' The Meteor,' which he published conjointly with the literary editor. To ridicule the follies of the fast young men of London, he etched a series of plates, to which Pierce Egan added letter-press, and it was published under the title of ' Life in London.' It became widely popular, was dramatised at more than one theatre, and its characters became heroes to imitate rather than avoid. Political Squibs and other works too numerous to mention now flowed from his unwearying etching point. When Dickens began to write, he illustrated 4 Sketches by Boz,' and there can be no doubt that his illustrations to * Oliver Twist' and 'Nicholas Nickleby' added much to the popularity of those novels. In his latter days the aged designer worked |
himself into the belief that little Oliver and Sniike were created by him. He sought in all his works to combat vice and follv, and vigorously attacked in temperance, etch- ing many plates against this sin. He became a convert to the total abstinence move- ment, and published a series of 8 plates, entitled ' The Bottle,' which with its sequel. ' The Drunkard's Children,' gave great aid to the cause he had adopted, as did his large picture of ' The Worsnip of Bacchus,' now in the National Gallery. His life was a life of unending toil, and the number of his works is enormous. His art was essen- tially grotesque and humorous, but it was now and then conjoined with true pathos, rendered more touching by its intense reality. He had, however, no sense of beauty. Many of his etchings have race qualities simply as etchings, yet he took no rank as a painter, ana his pictures are lower than mediocre. In his own art, however, as an illustrator, he takes high rank. His abstinence was accompanied by fine spirits and cheerfulness up to a great age, and he enjoyed good health to the last. He died in London, February 1, 1878. aged 86.
CRUIKSHANK, Robebt Isaac, de- signer for book illustration. Was the eldest son of the above Isaac Cruikshank. He commenced life as a midshipman in the East India Company's ship ' Persever- ance,' and early quitted the service, tempted possibly by the rising fame of his brother George, to follow the arts, and practised as a designer in water-colours. His best works are for the illustration of Cumberland's ' British and Minor Theatres.' For this he was in some measure qualified by a long familiarity with the stage both before ana behind the scenes. He was for many years employed on the illustration of the comic publications of the day ; but his designs, full of extravagant drollery, did not rise above mediocrity. He had known the vicissitudes of life, and died March 13, 1856, in his 66th year.
CUETT, John. There is by him in the South Kensington collection a clever draw- ing in pure Indian ink, a composition of classical architectural ruins, powerfully shaded with figures introduced. It is legibly signed, and dated 1710.
CUITT, Geoeoe, landscape painter. Was born at Moulton, near Richmond, Yorkshire, in 1743, and was the son of a builder. Showing an early taste for draw- ing, he was sent to Italy in 1769 by Sir Lawrence Dundas, who had employed him to draw the portraits of his family. He vigorously pursued his studies at Rome, but was tempted to pursue landscape art, which was most congenial to him. He returned to England in the latter part of 1775, and in the following year exhibited
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