Robert Dodd

Robert Dodd (1748 – 1815) was an English painter and engraver who specialised in marine art. He is known for his works on the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

Life and family Born as one of three sons of Alexander Dodd, his younger brother was the engineer and painter Ralph Dodd. He married Mary Fulton (b. 1748) on 1 November 1772. He died in early 1815 and was buried on 20 February at St Dunstan and All Saints, Stepney.

He exhibited at the Society of Artists in 1780 and the Royal Academy in 1782, continuing to exhibit there regularly until 1809. Although much of his work was subsequently engraved by other artists, he also engraved and published over 100 aquatints of his own work. His use of light effects, particularly the contrasts between the sun's rays and the dark clouds, or the fire against the smoke of battle, convey the drama and activity of a sea battle. Although technically accurate and meticulous, his artistic talents were somewhat eclipsed by the greatest of his peers, and it is his contribution to the historical record that is his greatest legacy.

Gallery