COCAIN, CliAltLIS NICOLAS, called Cochin File, a celebrated French designer and etcher, the son of Charles Nicolas Cochin the elder, was born at Paris in 1715. His father, likewise au able engraver, was his instructor, cud Cochin early displayed a peculiar aptness for art, and general quickness of ability. In 1749 he made a tour through Italy with the 3larquis de Alarigny, and in 1756 pub lished a critical account or the various works of Italian art, as a species of amateur's companion in a journey through Italy—' Voyage Fitton:tisane d'Italie,' in 3 vols. 8vo. The work became popular among his own countrymen : Cochin published a third edition of it in 1773. Some years before the appearance of his ' Voyage Pitto resswe' Cochin published an account of the antiquities of Heron Laneum, ' Observations our lee .Antiquitea d'Herculaneum, &c., par 311L Cochin et Ilellicard,' which went through two editions : the second contains many etchings of ancient works of art, and other objects of antiquity. Cochin was knight of the order of St. Michel ; keeper of the Royal Collection of Drawings ; and secretary to the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture. He died at Paris April 29, 1790.
Cochin was one of the best and most productive of the French engravers; his prints amount to upwards of 1500, comprising almost every variety of aubject, from original and from the works of other masters, chiefly French. Among the best are the fourteen large etchings of the seaports of Vernet. A ' Catalogue Ddtaille ' of his works was published by Jorabert in 1770, and copied by Heiuckeu into his Dictionary, with the addition of some works executed after 1770. Cochin was the author of some other literary works besides those already mentioned. He published in 1757, ' lieflexiona our la Critique des Ouvmgea Exposas au Louvre,' and 'Recueil do quelques pieces concert:lent lee Arts, avec une Dissertation cur l'effet do la Lumiere at des Ombres relativement h Is Peinturo r in 1763, ' Les hlisotechnitea aux Enfers ; ' and in 1765, ' Lettres sur les Vies de Slodts at de Deshayes,' and Projet dune Salle Te Spectacle.'