The Sleeping Shepherd Boy

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Gibson launched his first original life-size masterpiece, the 'Sleeping Shepherd Boy', in 1818 while employed at Canova's studio. In 1824, Lord Geroge Cavendish commissioned a marble version, and later that year, the present piece was acquired by Lord Prudhoe, who would eventually become the Duke of Northumberland - a renowned collector of classical marbles. A third rendition was created for Mr Lennox of New York, and Gibson's 'Sleeping Shepherd Boy' was displayed at the Royal Academy in 1835. This work is closely based on Canova's 'Sleeping Endymion', which he crafted in 1805, as well as Thorvaldsen's 'Shepherd Boy and Dog', a piece from 1817; it showcases Gibson's most refined composition.