John Thomas, English, 1813-1862
Title: Daniel Maclise (1806-1870), Artist (above a relief of Hibernia)
Date: 1859
Medium: Marble
Dimensions:
76.5 x 45 x 30.5 cm
Signed: on reverse, centre left: JOHN THOMAS/sc 1859
Credit Line: Presented, Mrs M.R. Middleton, a friend of the Sitter, 1892
Object Number: NGI.8184
Label TextDaniel Maclise was born in Cork, where he was among the first students of the school of art. He eked out a living by making portrait drawings, and on the strength of a sketch of Sir Walter Scott, was encouraged to pursue a career as an artist. He moved to London in 1827, where he established himself as a portrait painter and illustrator, but also produced a number of large-scale and impressive history paintings, including an extensive scheme for the Houses of Parliament in London. Well-read and sociable, his friends included William Makepeace Thackeray, Benjamin Disraeli and Charles Dickens.