Anna Brownell Jameson (née Murphy)
- Artist: John Gibson
- Date: 1862
- Medium: marble
- Museum: The National Gallery
- Collection record: The National Gallery website
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About this artwork
This is the Anna Brownell Jameson by John Gibson. Painted in the Italian north, this stunning marble bust is a testament to the artist's skill and dedication to his craft. Created in 1862, it was commissioned by Susan Homer as a tribute to her friend Anna Brownell Jameson, a pioneering writer and art historian who made significant contributions to art criticism and literature.
Brownell Jameson, England's first female art historian, had a long and distinguished career, publishing numerous influential books on art, history, and biography. Her advocacy for women's roles in history and literature earned her widespread recognition and respect. The inscription on the pedestal of this bust beautifully captures her legacy, highlighting her poetic genius, vigorous understanding, and dedication to throwing new light on Christian legends.
Gibson's creation is a masterful representation of Brownell Jameson, capturing her likeness and expression with remarkable accuracy. The marble medium allows for exquisite detail and texture, making it a truly breathtaking work of art. As you gaze upon this bust, remember the impact that Anna Brownell Jameson had on the world of art and literature, and the enduring legacy she left behind.
See it in person
Anna Brownell Jameson (née Murphy) hangs in The National Gallery on Trafalgar Square, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
