Peter Scheemakers, Belgian sculptor and educator (d. 1781)

Peter Scheemakers (1691 – 12 September 1781), also known as Pieter Scheemaeckers II or 'the Younger', was a profoundly influential Flemish sculptor who dedicated the vast majority of his distinguished career to working in London. Arriving in England around 1720, Scheemakers quickly became a leading figure in the country's burgeoning art scene, establishing himself as one of the 18th century's most sought-after artists for monumental and public commissions.

Scheemakers' Distinctive Classicist Style and Its Impact

Scheemakers' extensive body of work, primarily comprising public and ecclesiastical sculptures, is defined by a refined classicist style. This aesthetic represented a significant shift from the more flamboyant Baroque tendencies prevalent in earlier periods and championed by some of his contemporaries. His style embraced restrained elegance, clear forms, and a deliberate emphasis on classical drapery and dignified poses, drawing inspiration directly from ancient Greek and Roman sculpture. Peter Scheemakers, alongside other prominent sculptors of his era such as John Michael Rysbrack, played a pivotal role in popularizing this classical idiom within England. By doing so, he profoundly shaped the trajectory of modern English sculpture, subtly moving it away from continental Baroque influences and paving the way for the emerging Neoclassical movement that would dominate later in the century.

Iconic Works: The Shakespeare and Dryden Memorials in Westminster Abbey

Among his comprehensive oeuvre, Scheemakers is perhaps most widely celebrated for his monumental funerary effigies and memorials, particularly those housed in London's revered Westminster Abbey. His most iconic commission is undoubtedly the memorial to William Shakespeare, unveiled in 1740 in the celebrated Poets' Corner. This landmark piece, conceived by the eminent architect William Kent, masterfully depicts Shakespeare leaning against a pedestal, a quill poised in his hand. Its graceful composition and prominent placement made it an instant public favourite, quickly becoming one of Westminster Abbey's most visited and revered landmarks. Within the same historic church, Scheemakers also executed the equally significant memorial to the esteemed poet and playwright John Dryden, further cementing his reputation for crafting solemn, impactful, and enduring tributes. These prestigious commissions not only solidified his artistic legacy but also reflected the era's profound intellectual reverence for great literary figures.

Broader Influence and Legacy in English Sculpture

Beyond these famous pieces, Scheemakers' contributions extended to numerous effigies for aristocratic patrons, influential public figures, and a wide array of church monuments across Britain. His meticulous craftsmanship and unwavering adherence to classical principles offered a fresh direction for British sculpture, guiding it away from the more ornate continental Baroque excesses. His work was instrumental in laying the foundational groundwork for the more severe and academically rigorous Neoclassical style that would characterize the latter half of the 18th century, securing his place as a seminal figure in the history of English art.

Frequently Asked Questions about Peter Scheemakers

Who was Peter Scheemakers?
Peter Scheemakers, also known as Pieter Scheemaeckers II, was a highly influential Flemish sculptor (1691-1781) who spent the majority of his career in London, becoming renowned for his classicist style and monumental works.
What is Peter Scheemakers' most famous work?
His most famous work is widely considered to be the memorial to William Shakespeare, located in Poets' Corner, Westminster Abbey, which was completed in 1740.
What was Scheemakers' artistic style?
He primarily worked in a classicist style, characterized by its elegance, restraint, and reliance on classical forms and inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman sculpture, a departure from the more elaborate Baroque.
How did Scheemakers influence English sculpture?
Scheemakers played a crucial role in shifting English sculptural taste towards classical ideals, significantly influencing the development of modern sculpture in England and paving the way for the later Neoclassical movement.