John Gibson
ItalyBiography of John Gibson
John Gibson was a Welsh sculptor who was born in 1790 in Conwy, Wales. He became one of the most significant English sculptors of his time, known for his idealistic and classical style.
Early Career and Recognition
Gibson's talent as a sculptor was first recognized when he created his early works in Rome. These included the statue "The Sleeping Shepherd," the group "Mars and Cupid" (1819), the "Psyche with Zephyrs" (1821), and the relief "Hero and Leander's Meeting" (1821). These works brought him great fame in Italy and also gained attention in his home country, where he was encouraged to return and promised honor and wealth. However, Gibson chose to remain in Rome but continued to send his subsequent works to England, where they were well-received by the public.
Notable Works
Among Gibson's notable works are his repeated statue of "Cupid Disguised as a Shepherd" and "Psyche Distracted by Cupid," which he considered to be his best creations. In 1844, he traveled to London to exhibit his statue of Thomas Gresham (located in the London Stock Exchange), and since then, he visited the city almost annually. During one of his visits, he created the model for Queen Victoria's statue (located in Buckingham Palace), which he later sculpted in Rome.
In 1850, he created the group statue of Queen Victoria seated on a throne with allegorical figures of Mercy and Justice on either side (located in the British Parliament building) and a statue of Venus, where he used ivory-colored body, light russet hair, and gilded headgear. This work sparked various interpretations in the art circles of England, with some finding it original and elegant, while others considered it tasteless. Gibson himself held this work in high regard and sculpted it three times.
Legacy and Contributions
John Gibson was a member of several artistic academies, including the Royal Academy of Arts in London, the Accademia di San Luca in Rome, and the Munich Academy of Fine Arts. He was known for his skillful imitation of antiquities and was influenced by the style of Antonio Canova. His idealistic works, such as the monumental tomb of the Duke of Leicester in Longford, showcased his artistic prowess more than his portrait sculptures.
Upon his death in Rome, Gibson bequeathed all his models, unfinished works, and a significant fortune of £32,000 to the Royal Academy of Arts in London. While he may be regarded as an imitator of antiquity, his contributions to the world of sculpture and his dedication to his craft earned him a place among the notable artists of his time.
