Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Nixon, James
NIXON, JAMES (1741?–1812), miniature-painter, was born about 1741. He first exhibited with the Society of Artists in 1765, and from 1772 to 1805 was an annual contributor to the Royal Academy. Nixon was one of the ablest miniaturists of his time, and held the appointments of limner to the Prince of Wales and miniature-painter to the Duchess of York; in 1778 he was elected A.R.A. He painted Miss Farren and other theatrical celebrities, as well as fancy figures of Shakespearean characters. He sent to the Academy a few portraits in oil, and in 1786 a series of ten designs illustrating ‘Tristram Shandy.’ Nixon resided in London throughout his professional career, but died at Tiverton on 9 May 1812, aged 71. His portraits of Dr. Willis, the Duchess of Devonshire, Mrs. Hartley, and the Misses Jenny and Nelly Bennet have been engraved, as well as some fancy subjects.
[Redgrave's Dict. of Artists; Sandby's Hist. of the Royal Academy, i. 244; Gent. Mag. 1812, pt. i. p. 499; Royal Academy Catalogues.]