Dr. Samuel Johnson
Bust
1777 to late 18th century (made)
1777 to late 18th century (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
This lead bust representing Dr. Samuel Johnson was probably made in the late 18th century England, after a clay bust executed by Nollekens in 1777. The production of this bust in lead, a relatively cheap material, implies that other versions might exist, but none is recorded, though four plaster versions and a terracotta version are known. The mahogany pedestal dates from the early 19th century.
Dr Johnson, the literary colossus of his time, is most renowed for the publication of his Dictionary in 1775. Johnson was a friend of the sculptor Nollekens, but hated sitting for his portrait.
Dr Johnson, the literary colossus of his time, is most renowed for the publication of his Dictionary in 1775. Johnson was a friend of the sculptor Nollekens, but hated sitting for his portrait.
Object details
| Category | |
| Object type | |
| Parts | This object consists of 2 parts.
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| Title | Dr. Samuel Johnson (generic title) |
| Materials and techniques | Lead |
| Brief description | Bust, lead, of Dr. Samuel Johnson, anonymous after a model by Joseph Nollekens he made in 1777, England, after 1777 |
| Physical description | Bust of Dr. Samuel Johnson in lead. The bust rests on a plinth fashioned to resemble a bound volume of Johnson's Rambler writings. |
| Dimensions |
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| Marks and inscriptions | 'RAMBLER' (inscribed on the pedestal) |
| Object history | On loan to the Museum, together with its mahogany pedestal from the donor from 16 August 1915 immediately prior to that on loan to the Burlington Fine Arts Club. Bequeathed by Lt. Col. G.B. Croft Lyons in 1926. |
| Production | after a clay bust by Joseph Nollekens |
| Subject depicted | |
| Summary | This lead bust representing Dr. Samuel Johnson was probably made in the late 18th century England, after a clay bust executed by Nollekens in 1777. The production of this bust in lead, a relatively cheap material, implies that other versions might exist, but none is recorded, though four plaster versions and a terracotta version are known. The mahogany pedestal dates from the early 19th century. Dr Johnson, the literary colossus of his time, is most renowed for the publication of his Dictionary in 1775. Johnson was a friend of the sculptor Nollekens, but hated sitting for his portrait. |
| Bibliographic references |
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| Collection | |
| Accession number | A.63-1926 |
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| Record created | June 24, 2009 |
| Record URL |
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