Lot Essay
John Henry Foley R.A. (1818-1874) rose from humble origins to become one of the foremost sculptors of the Victorian era. He designed the figure of the Prince Consort and the group of 'Asia' for the Albert Memorial. He was born in Dublin, and on his death left his casts to the Schools of the Royal Dublin Society.
The Art Union of London was founded in 1837 with the high ideals of promoting the appreciation of British sculpture. The Committee decided to commission reductions of monumental sculpture, stipulating "that the pieces should be of moderate expense and of a convenient size....fitted for a drawing room table".
The Art Union's selection for 1846 was the present model by Foley, the monumental plaster of which had enjoyed great acclaim at the Westminster Hall Exhibition of 1844, and is now preserved by the Royal Dublin Society.
Another version of this bronze was sold by Cornette de St Cyr, Paris, 9th November, 1987, lot 1, for FF25,000.
The Art Union of London was founded in 1837 with the high ideals of promoting the appreciation of British sculpture. The Committee decided to commission reductions of monumental sculpture, stipulating "that the pieces should be of moderate expense and of a convenient size....fitted for a drawing room table".
The Art Union's selection for 1846 was the present model by Foley, the monumental plaster of which had enjoyed great acclaim at the Westminster Hall Exhibition of 1844, and is now preserved by the Royal Dublin Society.
Another version of this bronze was sold by Cornette de St Cyr, Paris, 9th November, 1987, lot 1, for FF25,000.