A PAIR OF REGENCY BLACK-PAINTED PLASTER FIGURES

BY HUMPHREY HOPPER

Details

A PAIR OF REGENCY BLACK-PAINTED PLASTER FIGURES
By Humphrey Hopper
Each draped in classical robes and holding a torch aloft, with later flared glass shade, on a green-painted column plinth base, One figure inscribed 'Mar 7 1816 H. Hopper London', minor restorations, redecorated, one plinth 19th Century and the other of a later date
The figures: 41 in. (104 cm.) high; the column 39 in. (99.5 cm.) high (2)

Sale room notice

One of the later glass shades has broken, Christie's will arrange and pay for its replacement.

Lot Essay

The torch-bearing vestal with dolphin and urn, emblematic of the Element of Water is accompanied by a companion with billowing drapery perhaps emblematic of air. The latter, bearing the date 1816, corresponds to one similarly dated and sold anonymously, in these Rooms, 12 July 1990, lot 64, and accompanied by the 'Water' vestal bearing the inscription 'Nov 1 1815 H. Hopper London'. The mark of the sculptor Humphrey Hopper (d. 1842) has been found on related candelabra figures dating from 1808. In 1813 the architect Lewis Wyatt introduced a set of four related figures in the wall-niches of the Dining Room at Hackwood Park, Hampshire, and these bear the dates from March to November of that year, see Hackwood Park, Christie's house sale, 20-22 April 1998, lot 159.

More from Fine English Furniture

View All