English family of artists. (1) Edward Pierce (i) was a decorative painter active during the reign of Charles I and may have been related (perhaps a brother) to the painters John Pierce I ( fl 1634-7) and Thomas Pierce I ( fl 1632-3). He had three sons who became artists: John Pierce II ( fl 1651-60), a painter, who was made free of the Painter-Stainers' Company in London in 1651; Thomas Pierce II, also a painter who was made free in 1655-6; and (2) Edward Pierce (ii), arguably the best English portrait sculptor of the 17th century. Margaret Pierce ( fl 1670-80), who was employed on the painted work of a number of Christopher Wren's city churches, was probably the widow of one of the sons.
The following members have entries:
See the Abbreviations for further details.
