Thomas Gaugain, a stipple engraver and artist Gaugain was born at Abbeville in France in 1756, and moved to England with his family while still young. He studied engraving under Richard Houston. He began his artistic career as a painter, and exhibited in 1778 at the Royal Academy, showing A Moravian Peasant, The Shepherdess of the Alps, and a portrait. He continued to exhibit there up to 1782. From 1780 he devoted himself principally to engraving, using the stipple method, and engraving some of his own designs.