John Gilbert
19th century·England·Royal Academy of Arts
John Gilbert was an English artist, illustrator, and engraver known for his prolific work for the Illustrated London News and for illustrating numerous books, particularly those of William Shakespeare. He gained the nickname "the Walter Scott of painting" due to his shared passion for past eras and battle scenes with the famed Scottish novelist. Gilbert also held significant roles in the art world, serving as president of the Royal Watercolour Society and becoming a Royal Academician.
Key Facts
- ›Born in Blackheath, Surrey, and largely self-taught in art.
- ›Gained the nickname "the Walter Scott of painting" for his interest in past eras and battle scenes.
- ›Best known for illustrations and wood-engravings for the Illustrated London News and the London Journal.
- ›Produced over 2000 wood-engravings and many illustrations for books, including nearly all important English poets.
- ›Became president of the Royal Watercolour Society in 1871 and was knighted in 1872.
- ›Became a Royal Academician (RA) in 1876.
Illustrations For the Illustrated London News, Illustrations For the London Journal, President of the Royal Watercolour Society, Knighted, Royal Academician
Artist, Illustrator, Engraver
About John Gilbert
John Gilbert (1817-1897)
Sir John Gilbert was a prominent English artist, illustrator, and engraver active during the 19th century. Born in Blackheath, Surrey, Gilbert was primarily self-taught in his artistic pursuits, with his only formal instruction coming from George Lance. His passion for historical subjects, particularly past eras and battle scenes, earned him the moniker "the Walter Scott of painting," drawing a parallel with the famed Scottish novelist.
Gilbert is best remembered for his extensive contributions to illustrated publications, most notably the Illustrated London News and The London Journal. He produced an impressive volume of work, including over 2000 wood-engravings and numerous illustrations for books, covering a wide range of literary works, especially those of William Shakespeare and other significant English poets.
His career was marked by significant professional recognition. Gilbert began exhibiting at the Society of British Artists in 1836 and at the Royal Academy from 1838. He rose to become president of the Royal Watercolour Society in 1871, and his artistic achievements were further acknowledged when he was knighted in 1872. He was elected a Royal Academician (RA) in 1876. The Gilbert-Garret Competition for Sketching Clubs, established in 1870, was named in his honor, reflecting his influence in the art education sphere. In 1893, he donated a collection of his work to the Guildhall Art Gallery in the City of London. Sir John Gilbert died on October 5, 1897.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What was John Gilbert known for?
John Gilbert was primarily known as an English artist, illustrator, and engraver. He gained particular recognition for his extensive work for publications like the Illustrated London News and for illustrating numerous books.
Why was John Gilbert called "the Walter Scott of painting"?
He was nicknamed "the Walter Scott of painting" because he shared a passion for historical subjects, particularly past eras and battle scenes, with the renowned Scottish novelist, poet, and historian, Walter Scott.
What were some of John Gilbert's major contributions to art?
Gilbert created over 2000 wood-engravings for publications such as the Illustrated London News and The London Journal. He also produced a vast number of illustrations for books, notably including works by William Shakespeare and other major English poets.
What positions did John Gilbert hold in the art world?
He served as the president of the Royal Watercolour Society starting in 1871. He was also recognized for his artistic achievements by being knighted in 1872 and becoming a Royal Academician (RA) in 1876.
Did John Gilbert receive any formal art training?
While largely self-taught, Gilbert received some formal instruction from George Lance. He learned to paint by teaching himself and by copying prints, and also mastered various media like watercolour and oils.
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