(1782 - 1854)
Richard Barrett Davis was born in Watford, Hertfordshire. In 1789, his father became a huntsman to George III. After the King saw Davis’ drawings he persuaded Francis Bourgeois to tutor the artist. Davis may also have studied under William Beechey before entering the Royal Academy Schools. He exhibited at the Academy from 1802; the British Institution from 1808 and at the Society of British Artists from 1827, where he was briefly President. In 1828 he became animal painter to George IV; and later to William IV and Queen Victoria. From 1836 he made a series of prints for publishers A. H. Bailey & Co. titled ‘The Hunter's Annual’ (1836-41). He also made some 30 illustrations for the ‘Sporting Magazine’. He died in Kensington, aged about 72.
