English artist.  His early life was marred by poverty. He was educated at the Royal Academy schools, where he was encouraged by Sir Thomas Lawrence.  In 1827 he moved to Brussels where he taught art. At this time he met the animal painter Verboeckhoven, who strongly influenced his work. In 1831 Cooper returned to London, and he first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1833, and his last picture was exhibited in 1902, the year of his death.  In the 1840s Cooper worked often with C. R. Lee, who painted the rural backgrounds, while Lee subsequently painted the cattle and sheep for which he became so famous.  His concentration on painting of farm animals earned him the nickname of “Cow Cooper.”  He became a member of the Royal Academy in 1867.  He was commissioned by Queen Victoria and the Prince Consort to paint pictures of the royal herd of pedigree Jersey cows. (bio by: julia&keld)