[Born at Conway, N. Wales, 1790. Still living.]
Like Chantrey, apprenticed to a wood-carver, and, like him also, a
cabinet-maker at this starting-point of his career. At the age of
eighteen, he exhibited a wax model of “Time,” which procured him
employment with a sculptor in Liverpool. Making the acquaintance of Lord
Castlereagh, he was furnished by that nobleman with an introduction to
Canova, and he accordingly set out for Rome in 1820. In Rome he still
resides. He has wrought with his chisel for the noble and wealthy of his
own country, and for the patrons of art in the land which he has chosen
for his residence. Ludwig of Bavaria--the eager and munificent patron of
art--has been amongst the serviceable friends of the gifted Welshman.
For grace, beauty, and finished execution, John Gibson has never been
surpassed in this country. Flaxman is the first of British artists; but
as a sculptor, chisel in hand, Gibson is hardly second even to him.
[From the marble by Theed.]
400A. JOHN GIBSON. _Sculptor._
[This bust is by Macdonald of Rome.]