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James Gibbs, 1682 - 1754. Architect
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James Gibbs, 1682 - 1754. Architect about 1750
  • Scottish Art
Aberdeen-born James Gibbs was sent to Rome in 1703 to study for the priesthood. However, he abandoned his clerical career and became a pupil of the leading Italian baroque architect, Carlo Fontana. When he returned to Britain in 1709, his training made him highly sought after. He designed the churches of St-Mary-le-Strand and St Martin-in-the-Fields in London and the Radcliffe Library in Oxford, which can be seen, still with some scaffolding, in the background of this portrait.

Glossary Open

Baroque

A general term for European art and architecture from the 17th to the mid 18th centuries. It particularly refers to works characterised by a sense of movement and theatricality.

Baroque

Details

  • Acc. No. PG 1373
  • Medium Oil on canvas
  • Size 111.00 x 87.50 cm
  • Credit Presented by the Art Fund (London Scot Bequest) 1938

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Scottish Art