Doe and Hope

Description

In original condition, the terracotta bust of a bearded gentleman wearing a buttoned waistcoat with neckerchief and overcoat, showing traces of polychrome decoration, and with weathering and lichen deposits, the reverse with an impressed signature 'A. COKE 1871', survives from the late nineteenth century.

The condition of the bust is pretty good throughout. There is lichen deposits to the front from its former positioning part sheltered outside and the remnants of the polychrome decoration of ebony, red, blue and green paints can be seen to his hair, overcoat and other carved elements. There are no signs of major damage or restoration so he remains in nice unmeddled with order with some pitting and knocks to the forehead and other slight blemishes all in keeping for good character. The reverse has loss to one corner.

We cannot find any information on the artist, though they were obviously rather well accomplished. The subject’s jovial character is resplendently apparent and his aura has been successfully communicated through the jaunty and skilled execution of the modeling.

Stourhead is a 1,072-hectare (2,650-acre) estate at the source of the River Stour near Mere, Wiltshire, England. The estate includes a Palladian mansion, the village of Stourton, gardens, farmland, and woodland. Stourhead has been in the ownership of the National Trust since 1946. This piece was removed from a cottage within the estate.

Lighting up a sideboard near you.