Cosway, Richard (1742-1821) ,
English painter of miniatures, born in Devonshire, and trained in art in London. Having gained the friendship of the Prince of Wales, later King George IV, Cosway won appointment as court painter. He painted members of the royal family, such as Mrs. Maria Fitzherbert, first wife of the Prince of Wales. Cosway's subjects also included aristocrats of both England and France, such as Madame du Barry, mistress of King Louis XV of France.

Cosway was one of the first painters to use delicate brushwork in watercolor to bring out the beauties of the ivory on which miniatures were painted. He expressed with great skill the artificial grace and charm that characterized the age in which he lived. He amassed a large fortune and a valuable collection of paintings and curios. His wife, Maria Hadfield, who had been trained in Italy, was also a noted miniaturist.