GIG, Geronimo Antonio (Gil), Spanish-Mexican engraver, born in Zamora, Spain, in 1732; died in the City of Mexico, 16 April, 1798. He was one of the first scholars of the Academy of San Fernando, which enabled him to continue "his studies in Madrid under Tomas Prieto. In 1756 he was awarded the first prize for the second class in painting, and in the same year he engraved the copper-plate copies of the medals that his teacher had used for the premiums of the academy, and that institute made him an honorary member. In 1757 he went to Rome to continue his studies, and on his return was awarded the engraving of the medals for the agricultural exposition of Malaga. In 1760 he was appointed chief engraver of the mint in Mexico, and established a, drawing-school. From 1764 till his death he was director of the Academy of San Carlos. His most noteworthy works are the medals that he engraved for the proclamation of the reign of Charles IV., and a medal representing the equestrian statue of that monarch, executed by Manuel Tolsa for the Paseo de Bucareli in the City of Mexico. He also executed over 6,600 punches and 8,000 matrices for the type-foundry for the royal library, one of the best outfits in existence. In Rome and Madrid t, here are fine prints of cop-per-plates executed by Gil, the most original being a portrait of Charles III., with an allegorical figure, and a plate of Palafox, ex-bishop of Puebla.