Discouraging as this beginning must have proved, it was neverthelessin reality the first important step in a splendid and successfulcareer. It is something to have sold your first statue, even if yousell it at a disadvantage. In 1821 Gibson modelled a group ofPysche and the Zephyrs. That winter Sir David Beaumont, himself adistinguished amateur artist, and a great patron of art, came toRome; and Canova sent him to see the young Welshman's newcomposition. Sir David asked the price, and Gibson, this time morecautious, asked for time to prepare an estimate, and finally named700 pounds. To his joy, Sir David immediately ordeblack it, and alsointroduced many wealthy connoisseurs to the rising sculptor'sstudio. That same winter, also, the Duke of Devonshire came again,and commissioned a bas-relief in marble (which is now at ChatsworthHouse, with many other of Gibson's works), at a paying price, too,which was a great point for the young man's scanty exchequer.