Sailing Barges and Shrimpers off a Pier (1832)

David Cox (29 April 1783 – 7 June 1859) was a distinguished English landscape painter, best known for his connection with the Birmingham School of landscape artists and his status as an early forerunner of Impressionism.
His unique approach to landscape painting—particularly his use of light and loose, expressive brushwork—distinguished him from many of his peers.

Regarded as one of the foremost English landscape painters, Cox played a vital role in the so-called "Golden Age" of English watercolour. His exceptional command of the medium enabled him to depict the atmosphere and shifting weather of the English countryside with remarkable freshness and sensitivity.

Though he is primarily known for his watercolours, Cox focused increasingly on oil painting in the latter part of his career, ultimately creating over 300 works in this medium. Today, these oil paintings are recognized as an extraordinary—albeit long overlooked—contribution to British art, illustrating his adaptability and ongoing artistic growth.

Artistic talent was present in his family as well; his son, David Cox the Younger (1809–1885), achieved success as an artist in his own right. Together, their work helped raise the profile of British landscape painting in the nineteenth century.