Bonhams 1793 : Samuel Joseph, British (1791-1850) A marble bust of Lieutenant-General Sir Herbert Taylor

Looking to dexter, dressed as a Roman Emperor in a finely carved toga with scrolling acanthus decoration, on a waisted cylindrical socle, raised on a 19th century ebonised and gilt metal mounted cylindrical pedestal with fluted shaft, the bust 78cm high, the pedestal 107cm high. (2)

Sold for £6,875 inc. premium

Footnotes

Sir Herbert Taylor was the first Private Secretary appointed to a British Sovereign (George III, 1805-11). He was subsequently Private Secretary to Queen Charlotte, George IV's brother the Duke of York, William IV and Queen Victoria.

It is believed that Sir Herbert Taylor commissioned Samuel Joseph to produce this marble portrait bust depicting him as a Roman emperor after acquiring Chantrey's portrait bust of King George IV depicted in similar style. Chantrey's marble bust was given to the King's brother, Frederick Duke of York, who subsequently bequeathed it to his Private Secretary and faithful companion Sir Herbert, after his death in 1827. The present bust was probably commissioned in either 1828 or 1829, and was acquired directly from the sculptor. It was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1830, and has remained in the family ever since, the current vendor being a direct descendent.

The present bust is listed in A Biographical Dictionary of Sculptors in Britain 1650-1851 but until now was described as 'untraced'.
Literature: Ingrid Roscoe, A Biographical Dictionary of Sculptors in Britain 1650-1851, Yale UP, New Haven/London, 2009, pp. 678-81.
R. Gunnis Dictionary of British Sculptors 1660-1851, pp. 222-223.

Category: Furniture / English Furniture and Works of Art

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