Lot Essay
Richard James Wyatt (1795-1850) studied briefly under J.C.F. Rossi before entering the R.A. Schools in 1812. It was here that Sir Thomas Lawrence, impressed by the talent of the young sculptor, introduced Wyatt to Canova. Captured by the spirit of Rome, Wyatt studied in Paris under Bozio in 1821 en route to taking up the position offered by Canova in his studio, faithfully working with him until his master's death. After a brief spell under the direction of Thorwaldsen, Wyatt ventured out on his own, and was to become the most important resident English sculptor in Rome.
Despite his near exile from England, Wyatt was commissioned by the most important political and aristocratic figures of 19th century England - from the Duke of Devonshire, Earl de Grey, Lord Grosvenor and the Duke of Sutherland to Sir Robert Peel and Lord Canning. Moreover, on his only return trip to England in 1841, he departed with a commission from Queen Victoria for a Penelope (still in the Royal Collection). Wyatt's reputation was Cosmopolitan, and the patrons he attracted were matched in the stature of his apprentices, most particularly John Gibson and Benjamin Spencer. John Gibson considered that "female figures were his (Wyatt's) forte... No sculptor in England had produced female statues to be compared to those of Wyatt." Another admirer considered he had "surpassed all living artists in representing the pure and delicate beauty of the female form".
Amongst the unfinished works in his studio at the time of his death, many of which were completed by Gibson and Spence, was "A Huntress of Diana", which had been commissioned by Queen Victoria, (now in the Royal Collection) which relates very closely to this example, although her quarry is a hare. Buried in Rome, Wyatt's memorial was sculpted by his devoted pupil Gibson, whose inscription read "His works were universally admired for their purity of taste, grace and truth of nature. The productions of his genius adorn the Royal Palaces of England, St Petersburg and Naples, as well as the residence of the nobility and gentry of his own country." His works are still represented today at Chatsworth, Wrest Park, Eaton Hall and the Royal Collections.
A figure of a Huntress by Wyatt was sold at Christie's, King Street, 15 July 1986, lot 93; another of a Bathing Venus was sold here, 2 October 1990, lot 206.
Despite his near exile from England, Wyatt was commissioned by the most important political and aristocratic figures of 19th century England - from the Duke of Devonshire, Earl de Grey, Lord Grosvenor and the Duke of Sutherland to Sir Robert Peel and Lord Canning. Moreover, on his only return trip to England in 1841, he departed with a commission from Queen Victoria for a Penelope (still in the Royal Collection). Wyatt's reputation was Cosmopolitan, and the patrons he attracted were matched in the stature of his apprentices, most particularly John Gibson and Benjamin Spencer. John Gibson considered that "female figures were his (Wyatt's) forte... No sculptor in England had produced female statues to be compared to those of Wyatt." Another admirer considered he had "surpassed all living artists in representing the pure and delicate beauty of the female form".
Amongst the unfinished works in his studio at the time of his death, many of which were completed by Gibson and Spence, was "A Huntress of Diana", which had been commissioned by Queen Victoria, (now in the Royal Collection) which relates very closely to this example, although her quarry is a hare. Buried in Rome, Wyatt's memorial was sculpted by his devoted pupil Gibson, whose inscription read "His works were universally admired for their purity of taste, grace and truth of nature. The productions of his genius adorn the Royal Palaces of England, St Petersburg and Naples, as well as the residence of the nobility and gentry of his own country." His works are still represented today at Chatsworth, Wrest Park, Eaton Hall and the Royal Collections.
A figure of a Huntress by Wyatt was sold at Christie's, King Street, 15 July 1986, lot 93; another of a Bathing Venus was sold here, 2 October 1990, lot 206.