John Bacon (sculptor) (1777-1859)
Encyclopedia
John Bacon was an English sculptor.
Bacon was the second son of the sculptor John Bacon R.A. He entered the Royal Academy Schools at the age of twelve. At fifteen he exhibited his first work, at sixteen he was awarded the silver medal of the Royal Academy
, and at seventeen the gold. His prize work was a statue of Cassandra
. His father died in 1799, and John Bacon, junior, succeeded to his business. He finished such works as he found in progress, including the well-known statue of Lord Cornwallis, and managed to secure ample patronage for himself. He ceased to exhibit at the Academy in 1824. There are six of his monuments in St. Paul's Cathedral, and some in Westminster Abbey
. He died in 1859.
A brother, Thomas Bacon, also obtained some reputation as a sculptor. He exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1793–5. The statue of William III in St. James's Square
, erected in 1808, was his work.
Bacon was the second son of the sculptor John Bacon R.A. He entered the Royal Academy Schools at the age of twelve. At fifteen he exhibited his first work, at sixteen he was awarded the silver medal of the Royal Academy
Royal Academy
The Royal Academy of Arts is an art institution based in Burlington House on Piccadilly, London. The Royal Academy of Arts has a unique position in being an independent, privately funded institution led by eminent artists and architects whose purpose is to promote the creation, enjoyment and...
, and at seventeen the gold. His prize work was a statue of Cassandra
Cassandra
In Greek mythology, Cassandra was the daughter of King Priam and Queen Hecuba of Troy. Her beauty caused Apollo to grant her the gift of prophecy...
. His father died in 1799, and John Bacon, junior, succeeded to his business. He finished such works as he found in progress, including the well-known statue of Lord Cornwallis, and managed to secure ample patronage for himself. He ceased to exhibit at the Academy in 1824. There are six of his monuments in St. Paul's Cathedral, and some in Westminster Abbey
Westminster Abbey
The Collegiate Church of St Peter at Westminster, popularly known as Westminster Abbey, is a large, mainly Gothic church, in the City of Westminster, London, United Kingdom, located just to the west of the Palace of Westminster. It is the traditional place of coronation and burial site for English,...
. He died in 1859.
A brother, Thomas Bacon, also obtained some reputation as a sculptor. He exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1793–5. The statue of William III in St. James's Square
St. James's Square
St. James's Square is the only square in the exclusive St James's district of the City of Westminster. It has predominantly Georgian and neo-Georgian architecture and a private garden in the centre...
, erected in 1808, was his work.