About John Alexander
Lived 1686 – 1766 (aged 79–80). John Alexander was a British painter.
John Alexander (1686 – ) He spent some time in London before going to Rome in 1711. There he studied under Giuseppe Chiari and received commissions from the exiled Stuart court. This was based on a work by his master, Chiari, in the Palazzo Barberini. Alexander's work at the castle was later destroyed, but his sketch for the work survives in the collection of the National Gallery of Scotland.
He was active as a printmaker, and etched some plates after Raphael's frescoes in the Loggie of the Vatican. In gratitude for the patronage of Cosimo III de' Medici, he dedicated a set of six, dated 1717 and 1718, to him; Joseph Strutt wrote that they did Alexander no kind of credit, and termed them slight, loose, and incorrect etchings.
The portrait painter Cosmo Alexander was his son.
Don’t just read it —
keep it.
Full-length biographies made to live with: read them, listen on the way to work, watch them tonight.
- E-book
- Audio
- Video
Instant download · yours to keep · every purchase keeps this site free
Important facts
People in John Alexander's life
Named in this biography and alive at the same time
Related people
Same field, nearest in time
Contemporaries
People whose lives overlapped John Alexander's
Frequently asked questions
Who was John Alexander?
Scottish painter and engraver of the 18th century (1686-1766)
When was John Alexander born?
John Alexander was born in 1686 in Aberdeen.
When did John Alexander die?
John Alexander died in 1766 in Scotland.
What was John Alexander's occupation?
John Alexander was a painter.
What nationality was John Alexander?
John Alexander was British.
Sources & further reading
· DBpedia: John Alexander (painter)
Cite this page
APA: Biography.guide. (2026). John Alexander. https://biography.guide/john-alexander-painter/
MLA: "John Alexander." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/john-alexander-painter/.
Chicago: "John Alexander." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/john-alexander-painter/.
Data last updated: 2026-09-25 · Spot an error? Report a correction.
Page generated 2026-09-27 05:12 UTC