Johan Tobias Sergel

Johan Tobias Sergel , 1740-1814, Swedish sculptor. He studied (1767-79) in Rome, and much of his sculpture is in the neoclassical style. His subjects, other than portraits, are drawn from classical history and mythology. Among his works are Cupid and Psyche and a monument to Gustavus III. He is known also for his lively caricatures and scenes illustrating daily life. In addition to their importance as works of art, these sketches are valuable as a record of late 18th-century Swedish history.

Sergel, Johan Tobias (b Stockholm, 28 Aug. 1740; d Stockholm, 26 Feb. 1814). Swedish sculptor and draughtsman of German parentage, active mainly in Stockholm. His early works are in a French Rococo style, but he abandoned this during an eleven-year stay in Rome (1767–78) and became the leading Swedish exponent of Neoclassicism. He was a much livelier artist than many Neoclassical sculptors, however, and although his mature work has impressive clarity of form, it also possesses warmth and vitality. In Rome he was best known for his spirited clay sketches, but after his return to Sweden he was mainly a portraitist. He was court sculptor to Gustavus III and his most important work is a bronze statue of the king (1790–1808) in front of the Royal Palace in Stockholm. Sergel was a prolific draughtsman, many of his drawings being Romantic in spirit, in a style similar to those of Fuseli, who was a friend during his period in Rome. He became a professor at the Stockholm Academy in 1780 and was appointed director in 1810.

Sergel, Johan Tobias (1740–1814). Swedish sculptor and draughtsman of German parentage, active mainly in his native Stockholm. His early works are in a French Rococo style, but he abandoned this during an eleven-year stay in Rome (1767–78) and became the leading Swedish exponent of Neoclassicism. He was a much livelier artist than many Neoclassical sculptors, however, and although his mature work has impressive clarity of form, it also possesses warmth and vitality. In Rome he was best known for his spirited sketches in clay and terracotta, but after his return to Sweden he was mainly a portraitist. He was court sculptor to Gustavus III and his most important work is a bronze statue of the king (1790–1808) in front of the Royal Palace in Stockholm. Sergel was a prolific draughtsman, many of his drawings being Romantic in spirit, in a style similar to those of Fuseli, who was a friend during his period in Rome. He became a professor at the Stockholm Academy in 1780 and was appointed director in 1810.