Johan Tobias Sergel

1740–1814, Stockholm

The neoclassical sculptor, Johan Tobias Sergel, began his studies in Paris and then, after a lengthy journey with stops in Stralsund, Berlin, Dresden, Vienna, Trieste and Venice, arrived in Rome in summer 1767. He stayed for 12 years and followed a systematic course of study. His days were spent in drawing – the works of classical antiquity serving as his models – and studying the works of such great Italian predecessors as Raphael and Annibale Carracci. Summoned by Gustav III, Sergel returned to Stockholm in 1779 and continued to work there. He also produced two etchings, of which the entire older descriptive literature had no cognizance.