This is a prime example of Alfred Gilbert’s experimental working methods. The central core is a discarded bronze torso from another statuette. To this he has added a painted ivory head, a bronze cope studded with glass beads and a copper mitre. Though meant as a model for a tomb figure, it was sold as an independent work. It is a model for the tomb of Prince Albert Victor, Duke of Clarence, at Windsor. The tomb was commissioned from Gilbert in 1892, and this bust would have been one of the group of statuettes placed around the effigy. However in the event Gilbert did not include it and sold it separately in 1899.
Sir Alfred Gilbert (1854-1934) was a famous British sculptor of the late 19th century. He was also medallist, goldsmith and draughtsman. He was known for his inventiveness and characteristically used many different materials in the same work. He epitomised the movement known as the “New Sculpture”, with a new focus on naturalistic forms. His many commissions included for example the celebrated figure of Eros, part of the Shaftsbury memorial. This was made in a novel material, aluminium. Gilbert's masterpiece was however the tomb for the Prince and Princess of Wales's eldest son, the Duke of Clarence, in the Albert Memorial Chapel at Windsor Castle, commissioned in 1892. He became obsessed with this commission and it took him 36 years to finish, causing him financial difficulties, which resulted in his selling copies of individual figures of the saints from the monument.