Introduction
Samuel Alken Sr. (London 22 October 1756 – 9 November 1815 London) was an English artist, a leading exponent of the newly developed technique of aquatint.
History
Samuel Alken entered the Royal Academy Schools, London, as a sculptor in 1772. He published A New Book of Ornaments Designed and Etched by Samuel Alken in 1779, and later established himself as one of the most competent engravers in the new technique of aquatint.
His works included plates after George Morland, Richard Wilson, Thomas Rowlandson and Francis Wheatley. His plates for Sixteen views of the lakes in Cumberland and Westmorlandafter drawingsJohn Emes and John Smithwerepublished in 1796, and a set of aquatint views of North Walesafter drawings by the Rev. Brian Broughtonin 1798.
Relatives
The Alken family claims several well-known artists.