George Michael Moser
George Michael Moser
Biography
He was the son of Michael Moser, an eminent Swiss engineer and worker in metal.
He moved to
style.He subsequently rose to be head of his profession as a gold-chaser, medallist, and enameller, and was particularly distinguished for the compositions in enamel with which he ornamented the backs of watches, bracelets, and other trinkets. A beautiful example of this work was a watch-case executed for
Moser was an original member, and afterwards a director, of the Incorporated Society of Artists, whose seal he designed and executed, and was one of the 21 directors whose retirement, in 1767, led to the establishment of the Royal Academy. To Moser's zeal and energy the latter event was largely due. In association with William Chambers, Benjamin West, and Francis Cotes, he framed the constitution of the new body, and on 28 November 1768, presented the memorial to the king asking for his patronage.[2]
He became a foundation member, and was elected the first keeper, having rooms assigned to him in Somerset House. For this position he was well qualified by his powers as a draughtsman and knowledge of the human figure, while his ability and devotion as a teacher gained for him the strong affection of the pupils.[2] He taught many notable artists including William Blake. Another student was his nephew Joseph Moser.
Moser was greatly esteemed in private life, and enjoyed the friendship of Samuel Johnson, Oliver Goldsmith, and other literary celebrities of his day. According to Boswell, he once greatly mortified Goldsmith by stopping him in the middle of a vivacious harangue with the exclamation, 'Stay, stay! Toctor Shonson's going to say something'.[2]
He died at Somerset House on 24 January 1783, and was buried in the churchyard of
Family
He left an only daughter, Mary Moser. [2]
References
- Attribution
O'Donoghue, Freeman Marius (1894). . In Lee, Sidney (ed.). Dictionary of National Biography. Vol. 39. London: Smith, Elder & Co.
External links
- 1 artwork by or after George Michael Moser at the Art UK site
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