Cornelius Varley was an English artist, born in Hackney, London on November 21, 1781. He was known for his work as a watercolor painter and for his contributions to the development of graphic recording instruments. Coming from a family with a strong interest in science and art, his brother John Varley was also a well-known watercolorist and astrologer, and their cousin was the last great English mezzotint engraver, John Varley Jnr.
Varley was interested in the technical aspects of drawing and painting from a young age. He developed several optical drawing devices, the most famous being the Graphic Telescope, patented in 1809. This instrument allowed artists to sketch objects at a distance and was particularly useful for landscape painting. The invention earned him the gold Isis medal from the Society of Arts.
His artistic work often focused on landscapes and architectural subjects, characterized by careful attention to detail and a delicate use of color. Varley exhibited at the Royal Academy and was a founding member of the Society of Painters in Water Colours in 1804, which later became the Royal Watercolour Society.
Throughout his life, Cornelius Varley remained deeply involved in both the advancement of art and the scientific community. He was a friend of the famed scientist Michael Faraday and was an active member of several learned societies. Varley's interest in science and invention led him to work on various projects, including studies on the polarization of light and the design of better microscopes.
Later in life, Varley's interests shifted more towards science and less on art, which led to fewer artistic works being produced. However, his earlier paintings and drawings continue to be appreciated for their contribution to the watercolor medium and for their unique blend of artistic skill and scientific innovation. Cornelius Varley died on October 2, 1873, at the age of 91, having lived a long and productive life at the intersection of art and science.
