Dictionary of National Biography, 1885-1900/Parker, John (1730?-1765?)
PARKER, JOHN (1730?–1765?), painter, is stated to have been born about 1730. He went to Rome to study, and resided there for many years. He painted an altar-piece, representing St. Sylvia, for the church of St. Gregorio, Monte Celio, Rome, and numerous classical and historical works. Parker was also engaged as an agent for acquiring or making copies of works of art and antiquities at Rome for English noblemen and amateurs. Among these was James Caulfeild, fourth viscount (afterwards earl of) Charlemont, for whom he executed many such commissions. As his representative, Parker appears to have been one of the chief actors in the quarrel with the famous engraver Giambattista Piranesi, who dedicated his great work on Roman architecture to Viscount Charlemont, but afterwards cancelled the dedication. Parker was secretary to the Society of Artists at Rome. He returned to England about 1762, and in 1763 exhibited at the Free Society of Artists ‘The Assassination of Rizzio’ and a portrait of himself. He was then residing in Paddington. He is stated to have died in 1765.
[Redgrave's Dict. of Artists; Hist. MSS. Comm. 12th Rep. App. x.]