Sir Richard, was born in London in 1775. His father, Richard Westmacott, was intended for one of the learned professions, and was educated at Brasenose College, Oxford; but circumstances led to his relinquishing this design, and he settled in London as a sculptor. His mother was a daughter of John Vardy, who held the office of Surveyor-general of Public Works.

The younger Westmacott early showed a taste for sculpture, and it was determined, after the usual education of a classical school, to give him the advantage of studying his art in Italy. With this object he proceeded to Rome, in the year 1793. He here became acquainted with Canova, who took great interest in the young student's progress, and whose kindness to him our sculptor always warmly acknowledged. While in Italy, Westmacott gained much honour, by carrying off the highest prizes in his art. At Florence he gained the Grand Duke's medal; and in 1795 he received at Rome, from the hand of one of the assembled cardinals, the gold medal given by the Pope in the grand Westmacott concurred of the Academy of St Luke. He was soon after elected a member of the Academy at Florence. In this year he went to Naples, and travelled much in southern Italy, visiting many parts of the Abruzzi and Calabria.

In 1797 he quitted Rome to return to England. On this journey his party was attacked by banditti, near La Storta. Westmacott narrowly escaped with life, and he lost all his baggage, with many of his drawings and sketches. He established himself in London, and soon after married the daughter of Dr Wilkinson, a physician of some repute. Westmacott soon took an honourable place as a sculptor. His first success in England was for a design for a public work, for which he was, by favour, allowed to compete with the established artists of the day. His merit was at once admitted, and he was thus introduced to the notice of the most discerning judges of art, and, consequently, to extensive public and private employment.

Only a cursory reference can here be made to some of his leading works; but even these few will show the variety and the character of the artist's genius. Among the more poetical and inventive of his productions, may especially be noticed a large relief, at Petworth, of the "Dream of Horace" (lib. iii. od. 4); one, of "Hero and Leander," and another, of the "Progress of Civilisation;" the well-known statue of "Psyche;" and several reliefs, at Woburn Abbey; "The Houseless Wanderer," at Bowood; and a playful group of a "Nymph and Cupid," in the Grosvenor collection. His statues of public characters are numerous, in bronze and marble. The colossal equestrian bronze statue of George III., at Windsor is a work of a very high quality; and in the horse the sculptor has shown his intimate knowledge of that animal. The statues of Lord Erskine, C. J. Fox, Francis, duke of Bedford, Joseph Addison, Lord Duncan, and many others, equally attest the ability and the diligence of the artist. In noticing his productions, it would be unjust to omit his admirable designs for monumental sculpture, both public and private. These compositions evince a fertile and graceful fancy, and often show very deep feeling. Among the most remarkable are those in memory of Warren Hastings, at Calcutta; the fine statue of the Duc de Montpensier, in Westminster Abbey, of Sir R. Abercromby, of Sp. Perceval, of W. Pitt, of the Duchess of Newcastle, of Lord Penrhyn, of the Countess of Rockavage, &c. No sculptor, without even excepting Flamingo, has shown greater ability and feeling than Westmacott in the treatment of infantine beauty. His illustrations, by means of groups of putti or children, are unequalled for grace and character.

Besides his accomplishment in his own art, Sir Richard Westmacott was a great authority on subjects of antiquity, and especially ancient Greek sculpture. His knowledge of architecture was also considerable; and his drawings, whether original designs or from nature and landscape, exhibit a refined taste, and great freedom of style.

Sir R. Westmacott was elected Associate of the Royal Academy in 1805, and Academician in 1816; and in 1827 he succeeded Flaxman as Professor of Sculpture. In 1835 the University of Oxford conferred upon him the degree of D.C.L. He received the honour of knighthood in 1837. He was also a Fellow of the Society of Antiquaries. Sir Richard Westmacott died, after a short illness, at his house, 14 South Audley Street, on the 1st of Sept. 1856, in his eighty-second year.

(Westmeath)