Frederick Prussia Plowman, Miniature Painter
(fl. 1773-1820)
Miniature Painter
From A Dictionary of Irish Artists 1913
Was born in John's Lane, Dublin. He entered the Dublin Society's Schools in 1773 and while still a student he sent, from No. 1 Winetavern Street, "six heads after Rosalba" and a "Head from life," to the exhibition in George's Lane; and in 1777 four "Portraits in chalk" to the exhibition in William Street. He gained a prize for figure-drawing in the School in 1776, and a medal for a group of figures and a portrait in 1779. In 1781 the Dublin Society recorded its appreciation of his merit, as shown in several paintings "executed by him under the inspiration of Sir Joshua Reynolds." Plowman worked as a miniature painter and also did portraits in oils and crayons. He did not contribute to any of the exhibitions after 1779, and seems to have retired from his profession many years before his death. About 1808 he painted a portrait of "Father Denis Hogan, O.S.F.," in Limerick, and also a picture of "The Crucifixion" for the Franciscan church there. He died at the Crescent, Marino, in 1820.