A dwarf
(probably richard gibson, 1615–1690)
this portrait is thought to show richard gibson (1615–1690), a celebrated artist and miniaturist. Gibson’s birthplace is uncertain, but he was first employed as a page to ‘a lady at mortlack’ (or mortlake) who noticed his talent for drawing and apprenticed him to francis cleyn (c. 1582–1658) at mortlake tapestry works. His future wife, ann sheppard (married 14 february 1641) was also in this household. Both gibson and his wife were of short stature. Gibson’s height was 3 feet 10 inches (117cm). Gibson moved in exalted circles and became wealthy and eminent, signing his paintings ‘rg’ and ‘dg’ (dwarf gibson). He was associated with the courts of charles i, charles ii and james ii, who appointed him drawing master to his daughters, mary and anne. This portrait of gibson, painted in the nineteenth century by an anonymous artist, is similar to a portrait of gibson by sir peter lely (1618–1680), now in the national portrait gallery. Object Type: painting. Date: 19th century. Dimensions: height: 73.6 cm (28.9 in); width: 60.9 cm (23.9 in). Medium: oil on canvas. Collection: Royal College of Physicians, London. Dwarf (after Peter Lely) Royal College of Physicians
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