Background
He was born in London on 13 February 1776, and educated at an academy in Soho.
He was born in London on 13 February 1776, and educated at an academy in Soho.
In 1790 he was articled to a writing engraver named Vincent. But obtained instruction from J. South. Agar, studied in the schools of the Royal Academy, and made copies of Francesco Bartolozzi"s tickets.
Mitan died of paralysis in Warren Street, Fitzroy Square, London, on 16 August 1822, leaving a wife and family. Samuel Mitan (1786–1843) was the brother and pupil of James Mitan, and engraver in the same style. He made plates for Robert Batty"s French Scenery, 1822, and was employed by Rudolph Ackermann.
While the Dictionary of National Biography states that nothing is known of his family, it appears that James & Samuel (with sisters Maria & Frances) were children of (Tobias) William Mitan (1744-1809) & Elizabeth (née Jenison) (c1749-1813) and were a quite prominent Catholic family.
Tobias" father William (c1720-1802) was probably born in Yorkshire.
He became a member of the Artists" Annuity Fund in 1810, and died at the Polygon, Somers Town, 3 June 1843.