Flaxman
JOHN, an English sculp tor and draughtsman; born in York, England, July 6, 1755. His father was a figure-molder. The son, from his earliest years, exhibited and cultivated his talent for designing, and was also attracted by the picturesque conceptions of Greek mythology. He began to study at the Royal Academy in 1770, earning for some time a living by making designs for Wedgwood, the potter, and other persons. He went to Italy in 1787, and during the seven years he spent there, his wife accompanying him, he acquired the highest reputation by three series of designs, the illustrations to Homer, Æschylus, and Dante. He was chosen A. R. A. in 1797, and Professor of Sculpture in 1810. The monument to Lord Mansfield in Westminster Abbey, the group of "Cephalus and Aurora," "Psyche," the group of the "Archangel Michael and Satan," are among his best works. The monuments to Nelson Howe, and Reynolds in St. Paul's are by his hand. One of his latest and finest productions is the "Shield of Achilles." He died in London, Dec. 7, 7, 1826. The sculptures and sketches of Flaxman are exhibited in a gallery, called the "Flaxman Hall," at University College, London.