MACDONALD, Lawrence

Scottish sculptor. He was one of the leading Scottish sculptors of the 19th century, and one of the last skilled practitioners of the Neoclassical style in Rome.

He studied at the Trustees’ Academy in Edinburgh, before travelling to Rome, where he became one of the earliest members of the British Academy of Arts. Returning to Edinburgh in 1826, he went on to sculpt likenesses of the leading lights of the city’s scientific and literary establishment. He had a successful exhibition in London in 1831.

Macdonald returned to Rome in 1832, remaining in the Eternal city for the rest of his career, where he became the favoured portrait sculptor of visiting Grand Tourists, and, later, members of the American elite. In 1850 he executed his most celebrated portrait, the statue of Emily, Countess of Winchelsea and Nottingham (Victoria and Albert Museum, London).

In 1867, Macdonald was made an honorary member of the Royal Scottish Academy. He exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy in London, and at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh. He also showed works at the Great Exhibition of 1851. Prince Albert was one of his patrons, and he executed ideal sculpture for Osborne House on the Isle of Wight.

During his lifetime, sculptures by him could be found in the homes of leading members of Britain’s aristocracy, including those of the Dukes of Northumberland and the Earls of Aberdeen.