The Palace and Park by Phillips, Forbes, Latham, Owen, Scharf, and Shenton

400. JOHN GIBSON. _Sculptor._

[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.]