[ 64 ]

provement of this art, we are undoubtedly to reckon
Ryfbrack ; we fhall here fubjoin fome anecdotes of that
eminent fculptor.

MICHAEL RYSBRACK

Was born at Antwerp, about A. D. 1694. His
father was a landfcape painter, and had refided in Eng-
land. Rysbrack firft drew attention by his models in
clay, v/hich acquiring him fome reputation, he was
employed in larger works, and as monuments were the
fculptures moll in requeft, his (kill was directed princi-
pally to fuch articles ; at firfl, under the direction and
to the profit of Gibbs the architect; afterwards, on his
own account. His merit in thefe productions is well
known to all who have vifited that folemn repofitory,
Weftminfter Abbey ; and all who are competent judges,
will allow that his works are many degrees fuperior to
the general tafte of preceding times. We need only
mention Sirlfaac Newton's monument (lhame onthofe
who have defaced fome parts of it!), which, from its
capital fituation, is well exhibited.

Rysbrack alfo executed the equeftrian ftatue of
King William at Briftol, for which he had 1,8001.
he alfo made many bulls. Scheemaker and Rou^
biliac were his rivals; the tafte of the latter was
highly applauded.

Rysbrack's mailer-piece is the Hercules at Stour-
head ; in this figure, like the artifts of antiquity, he
afiembled the bell parts of the bell models.

He died January 8, 1770, having previoufly fold
moll of his cplIec"ijon of drawings and models,