Alexander Cozens
Early Life and Family
Alexander Cozens (1717–1786) was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia—a fact often misrepresented as a result of popular legend that he was the illegitimate son of Emperor Peter I and Mary Davenport from Deptford. In reality, he was the son of Richard Cozens (1674–1735), who served as Peter I’s shipbuilder. The emperor acted as godfather to Alexander, demonstrating considerable paternal affection. He received his educ
ation in England from 1727, returning to Russia shortly thereafter. This formative period instilled in him a deep appreciation for classical learning and artistic tradition—influences that would permeate his entire oeuvre. His marriage to Juliet Pine, sister of Robert Edge Pine and daughter of John Pine (Bluemantle Pursuivant), produced one son, John Robert Cozens, who himself became a prominent artist, continuing the family’s legacy i…
