THOMAS SIDNEY COOPER CVO RA (BRITISH 1803 - 1902), FLIRTING SHEEP oil on board, signed 20cm x 27.5cm Framed and under glass Note: 'Thomas Sidney Cooper (1803 - 1902), Born on 26 September in Canterbury where he was a coach painter and scenic artist before entering the Royal Academy school in 1842. From 1827 to 1830 he worked in Brussels, spending some time in the studio of Eugene Verboekhoven whose animal subjects had a profound effect upon him. Following the political disturbance which led to Belgian independence in 1830, Cooper returned to London early in 1831 to embark on a very long and successful career as an animalier. He exhibited at the British Institution 1833-59 and Royal Academy 1833-1902; he was elected Associate Royal Academician 1845 and Royal Academician 1867. He died in Canterbury on 7 February 1902'