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William Brodie (Scottish, 1815-1881): A carved marble figure of a classical semi-clad maiden image 1
William Brodie (Scottish, 1815-1881): A carved marble figure of a classical semi-clad maiden image 2
William Brodie (Scottish, 1815-1881): A carved marble figure of a classical semi-clad maiden image 3
William Brodie (Scottish, 1815-1881): A carved marble figure of a classical semi-clad maiden image 4
William Brodie (Scottish, 1815-1881): A carved marble figure of a classical semi-clad maiden image 5
Lot 41TP

William Brodie (Scottish, 1815-1881): A carved marble figure of a classical semi-clad maiden

Fine Decorative Arts
1 July 2025, 14:00 BST
London, New Bond Street

Sold for £4,864 inc. premium

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William Brodie (Scottish, 1815-1881): A carved marble figure of a classical semi-clad maiden

The figure looking slightly to dexter, her long wavy hair dressed with two band tie tube like plaits, her left hand holding up her drapery, her right hand upheld beside a rectangular plinth, signed WM.BRODIE R.S.A, 89cm high, 34cm wide, 22cm deep

Footnotes

William Brodie was a prominent Scottish sculptor, renowned for his refined portrait busts and commemorative statues that graced many public spaces in 19th century Scotland. Born in Banff, the son of a shipmaster, Brodie originally trained as a plumber before turning to art. He pursued evening classes at the Mechanics' Institute in Aberdeen, then studied at the Trustees' Academy in Edinburgh. Determined to hone his skills further, he travelled to Rome, where exposure to classical sculpture helped shape his style.

Brodie established a flourishing studio in Edinburgh, where he specialised in portraiture and large scale public commissions. His classically inspired works, strongly influenced by sculptor Francis Leggatt Chantrey, were in high demand, with subjects ranging from leading scientists and judges to literary figures and civic heroes. Among his best known creations is the beloved statue of Greyfriars' Bobby, commemorating the loyal Skye Terrier, which stands near Greyfriars Kirkyard. Other significant works include statues of Lord Cockburn, Sir David Brewster, and Sir James Young Simpson. He regularly exhibited at the Royal Scottish Academy and the Royal Academy in London.

Notably, Brodie contributed several figures to the Scott Monument in Edinburgh. He was commissioned to create a number of statues for the centenary of Sir Walter Scott's birth in 1871, which were added to the monument in 1874. Later, in 1882, he sculpted the figure of Amy Robsart, an important character from Scott's novel Kenilworth, as part of the final phase of statuary work on the monument. These contributions helped enrich the monument's celebration of Scotland's literary heritage.

Brodie also created other notable public sculptures, including figures for the Prince Albert Memorial in Charlotte Square, Edinburgh, such as "The Nobility" and a bronze relief scene commemorating the Great Exhibition. He played a key role in shaping the next generation of Scottish sculptors, with his studio employing and training several assistants, including the notable James Pittendrigh MacGillivray. He was elected a full member of the Royal Scottish Academy and served as its secretary from 1876 until his death in 1881. He died in Edinburgh of heart disease. He is buried in Dean Cemetery. His daughter, Mary Brodie, also followed in his footsteps as a sculptor, continuing the family's artistic legacy.

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