BY GASPAR VAN DER HAGEN AFTER MICHAEL RYSBRACK, CIRCA 1740'S

Details

AN IVORY PORTRAIT RELIEF OF JOHN MILTON
BY GASPAR VAN DER HAGEN AFTER MICHAEL RYSBRACK, CIRCA 1740'S
Inscribed 'IOANNES. MILTONUS.' and signed 'VDHN.' with an old dealer's label 'Mura, England' adverso
4 ¾ in. (12 cm.) high in an ebonised moulded frame

Special notice

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.

Lot Essay

The Flemish sculptor Gaspar van der Hagen moved to London and became a long-term assistant to Michael Rysbrack. In 1747 the engraver and antiquarian George Vertue noted 'Mr. Vander Hagen, Sculptor, works for Mr Rysbrack. has done several heads portraits in Ivory. - very well.' For other examples see Sotheby's London, 8 December 1988, lots 398-401; and Christie's London 08 July 2010, lot 68. The Victoria and Albert have two ivories in their collection by the sculptor, one of Milton is catalogued by Marjorie Trusted, Baroque and Later ivories, 2013, Cat. No. 129.

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