Richard Gibson (1605/15–1690)

• Known as "Dwarf Gibson", was an English painter of portrait miniatures.
• In the 1630s, Gibson was working for Philip Herbert, 4th Earl of Pembroke.
• Herbert have introduced him to Peter Lely, with whom Gibson would enjoy a close and productive relationship.
• Gibson was appointed "Page of the Back Stairs" under Charles I. During the English Civil War Gibson stayed in London with Pembroke, and thus became associated with the Parliamentary faction.
• By the 1650s, Gibson appears to have been closely linked to Charles Dormer, 2nd Earl of Carnarvon, grandson of the Earl of Pembroke.
• Gibson was employed as drawing-master to Princess Mary and Princess Anne, the daughters of Charles' brother James (later King James II).
• Gibson married Anne Shepherd, who was known as the "queen's dwarf", as she was in the service of Queen Henrietta Maria.
• The couple were both said to be 3 ft 10 inches tall.
• The wedding was held at court, and the bride was given away by King Charles I.
• The couple had nine children, of whom three became successful painters.
• All the Gibson children were of typical size.
• The displayed painting is a crop from Anonymous After Peter Lely, Portrait of Richard Gibson, 1658.
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