Rubens
Statuette
1743 (modelled), probably ca. 1850 (cast)
1743 (modelled), probably ca. 1850 (cast)
Artist/Maker | |
Place of origin |
This statuette representing Sir Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) and it's companion, representing Van Dyck (V&A mus. no. A.23-1955) both form a pair. These statuettes were identified by Margaret Whinney as those formerly in the Hospital of St. John and St. Elizabeth, Grove End Road, London.
On acquisition this statuette and its companion figure were thought to be by Rysbrack. They are now to be known as cast after a model by Rysbrack of about 1743. This present piece is cast by L. Genneau in ca. 1850.
In the late 1740s Rysbrack produced models of some earlier Flemish artists, including the the present Rubens, Van Dyck, and Duquesnoy. These seem to have been reproduced in plaster and lead during Rysbrack's lifetime. This bronze version however almost certainly dates from the 19th century.
Rysbrack (1694-1770) was born in Antwerp, and trained in the Netherlands, but spent his working life in Britain. He was one of the most important sculptors active in this country in the first half of the 18th century, and specialised in portrait busts and funerary monuments. Although he never visited Italy, many of his works are clearly indebted to classical archetypes. His terracotta models are particularly fine, and are often virtually finished pieces in their own right.
On acquisition this statuette and its companion figure were thought to be by Rysbrack. They are now to be known as cast after a model by Rysbrack of about 1743. This present piece is cast by L. Genneau in ca. 1850.
In the late 1740s Rysbrack produced models of some earlier Flemish artists, including the the present Rubens, Van Dyck, and Duquesnoy. These seem to have been reproduced in plaster and lead during Rysbrack's lifetime. This bronze version however almost certainly dates from the 19th century.
Rysbrack (1694-1770) was born in Antwerp, and trained in the Netherlands, but spent his working life in Britain. He was one of the most important sculptors active in this country in the first half of the 18th century, and specialised in portrait busts and funerary monuments. Although he never visited Italy, many of his works are clearly indebted to classical archetypes. His terracotta models are particularly fine, and are often virtually finished pieces in their own right.
Object details
Categories | |
Object type | |
Title | Rubens (generic title) |
Materials and techniques | Bronze |
Brief description | Statuette, bronze, Sir Peter Paul Rubens, after a model by Rysbrack from about 1743, cast by L. Genneau in ca. 1850, English |
Physical description | The subject, who wears costume of the early 17th century with lace collar and cuffs, stands with his weight on his right leg, the left bent at the knee. An antique medallion is suspended on a chain running across his chest and over his left shoulder. He places his right hand on his heart and his left on the hilt of his sword. Behind him is a half-column draped with a fringed and embroidered coverlet, a studio property of Rysbrack's. Signed on the side of the base, inscribed on the back. |
Dimensions |
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Marks and inscriptions |
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Object history | Bought (with A.23-1955) for £120. These two form a pair. These statuettes were identified by Margaret Whinney as those formerly in the Hospital of St. John and St. Elizabeth, Grove End Road, London. The pair of bronzes were included in Christie, London, 24 November 1955, lot 15. Historical significance: On acquisition this statuette and its companion figure were thought to be by Rysbrack. They are now to be known as cast after a model by Rysbrack. This present piece is definitely cast by L. Genneau, while the other is possibly cast by the latter. The Rubens - the present piece - is the more highly finished of the two figures. The Van Dyck lacks inscription and signature, the eye pupils are left blank, and the coverlet is plain and not embroidered. |
Subjects depicted | |
Summary | This statuette representing Sir Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) and it's companion, representing Van Dyck (V&A mus. no. A.23-1955) both form a pair. These statuettes were identified by Margaret Whinney as those formerly in the Hospital of St. John and St. Elizabeth, Grove End Road, London. On acquisition this statuette and its companion figure were thought to be by Rysbrack. They are now to be known as cast after a model by Rysbrack of about 1743. This present piece is cast by L. Genneau in ca. 1850. In the late 1740s Rysbrack produced models of some earlier Flemish artists, including the the present Rubens, Van Dyck, and Duquesnoy. These seem to have been reproduced in plaster and lead during Rysbrack's lifetime. This bronze version however almost certainly dates from the 19th century. Rysbrack (1694-1770) was born in Antwerp, and trained in the Netherlands, but spent his working life in Britain. He was one of the most important sculptors active in this country in the first half of the 18th century, and specialised in portrait busts and funerary monuments. Although he never visited Italy, many of his works are clearly indebted to classical archetypes. His terracotta models are particularly fine, and are often virtually finished pieces in their own right. |
Associated object | A.23-1955 (Ensemble) |
Bibliographic references |
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Collection | |
Accession number | A.24-1955 |
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Record created | June 24, 2009 |
Record URL |
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