Edward Pierce

English sculptor

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

July 1, 2026

Quick Summary

Edward Pierce was an English sculptor active in the latter half of the 17th century. His work, particularly his busts, showed vigor and intensity, with some influence from the Italian sculptor Bernini. Despite Pierce's talent, the general quality of English sculpture during that period, as represented by artists like Francis Bird and Edward Stanton, remained unremarkable. It wasn't until the arrival of European sculptors like John Michael Rysbrack and Louis-François Roubiliac in the 18th century that England saw sculptors of European stature, who introduced a new level of power and vitality to English sculpture.1

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

3 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Western sculpture
England
…of the 17th century was Edward Pierce, in whose rare busts is to be found something of Bernini’s vigour and intensity. But the general run of English sculpture as represented by Francis Bird, Edward Stanton, and even the internationally renowned woodcarver Grinling Gibbons remained unexceptional. It was not until John…
Read More
…of the 17th century was Edward Pierce, in whose rare busts is to be found something of Bernini’s vigour and intensity. But the general run of English sculpture as represented by Francis Bird, Edward Stanton, and even the internationally renowned woodcarver Grinling Gibbons remained unexceptional. It was not until John…
Read More