Philip James de Loutherbourg

France · 1740–1812

Philip James de Loutherbourg, RA (born Philippe Jacques de Loutherbourg; 31 October 1740, 11 March 1812) was a French-born British painter who became known for his large naval works, his elaborate set designs for London theatres, and his invention of a mechanical theatre called the "Eidophusikon". He also had an interest in faith-healing and the occult, and was a companion of the confidence-trickster Alessandro Cagliostro. == Early life == Loutherbourg was born in Strasbourg in 1740, the son of a Swiss miniature painter. Intended for the Lutheran ministry, he was educated at the University of Strasbourg. === Paris === Rejecting a religious calling, Loutherbourg decided to become a painter, and in 1755 placed himself under Charles-André van Loo in Paris, and later under Francesco Giuseppe Casanova.

Independent artist guide by Momentable. Biography from Wikipedia; artworks credited to the museums that hold them.