Alexander, author of the Essays on Taste and Genius, was born at Chapel-Garioch, in Aberdeenshire, in 1728. After the usual preliminary studies he graduated as M.A. at Marischal College, and then began the study of theology, which he prosecuted at Aberdeen and Edinburgh. In 1752 he was appointed professor of natural philosophy in Marischal College, and contributed powerfully, by his voice and pen, to remodel the system of academic study then pursued in Aberdeen. Eight years later he exchanged that chair for the more honourable one of divinity, and in 1771 left Marischal for King's College, where he remained till his death in 1795. Gerard is chiefly remembered by his Essay on Taste (which was rewarded with the gold medal of the Edinburgh Philosophical Society in 1756), and his Essay on Genius. These and the other works of their author exhibit a sound judgment and extensive reading. They exhibit, however, no rare or valuable qualities of mind, and are seldom or never relieved by a ray of fancy or a burst of eloquence. Besides these works, Gerard published two volumes of Sermons and a Dissertation on the Evidences of Christianity.

Gérard, François, a distinguished French historical painter, born at Rome of humble parents in 1770, died at Paris in 1837. He was a pupil of the celebrated David, whom he followed for a time as his model both in politics and art. Abandoning the sphere of politics, however, he finally devoted himself heart and soul to painting, and under the first Napoleon attained high eminence. The best of his ideal pieces are probably his Belisarius and his Psyche, the first of which is well known in Europe by engravings. Equally popular were his Battle of Austerlitz and his Entrance of Henry IV. into Paris. All these pictures are now in the public galleries of France. Though they still look well, they have evidently suffered from the lapse of time; some of them even seem doomed to share the fate of Reynolds' masterpieces, and disappear altogether from the canvas. Gérard was a remarkable portrait painter; and some of the best likenesses of the distinguished personages of his time are by his hand. It is perhaps too much to claim for Gérard the possession of great original genius, but he had a fine fancy and an exquisite taste, grouped his figures admirably, and, though far from being a striking or even a correct colourist, he yet disposed his colours so well as generally to produce a harmonious effect.