Thomas Gibson (artist) facts for kids
Thomas Gibson (born around 1680 – died April 28, 1751) was an English artist. He was known for painting portraits of people and for making copies of other paintings. He was also a teacher, and one of his most famous students was George Vertue. Thomas Gibson was born and died in London.
Thomas Gibson's Life as an Artist
We don't know much about Thomas Gibson's early life before about 1711. By then, he was already a well-known portrait painter. He helped start an art school in London called Godfrey Kneller's Academy. Another famous painter, Sir James Thornhill, even asked Gibson to help him draw figures for his big paintings. George Vertue, who became a famous engraver and art historian, was one of Gibson's students there.
Famous People He Painted
Thomas Gibson painted many important public figures of his time. Some of these included:
- Dr. Henry Sacheverell (a famous preacher) in 1710.
- John Flamsteed (a royal astronomer) in 1712.
- Sir Robert Walpole (a very important politician).
- Archbishop William Wake and Archbishop John Potter (important church leaders).
A very important supporter of his art was John Poulett, who ordered many original paintings and copies from Gibson.
Illness and Later Work
Thomas Gibson got very sick from 1729 to 1731. Because of this, he had to sell his art collection and move to Oxford for a while. When he got better, Augusta, the Princess of Wales, became a big fan of his work. In 1742, she asked him to paint a picture of her four children together, and also a portrait of herself. These paintings are now part of the British Royal Collection.
