07-19-201407-19-2014
Skinner Auctions
Skinner AuctionsBoston MA
2740BBoston
July 19, 2014 10:00 AMCalender
272

American School, 19th Century White Marble Bust of George Washington

Sell one like this
$19,680$16,000
Auction: European Furniture & Decorative Arts - 2740BLocation: BostonDate / Time: July 19, 2014 10:00AM

Description:

American School, 19th Century

White Marble Bust of George Washington, the carved figure in wig and formal dress, unsigned, ht. 23 1/2 in.

N.B. This bust is after a marble bust of Washington gifted to the Old North Church (Christ Church) in the North End of Boston in 1815. The Old North Church bust is thought to be after a plaster bust of Washington made by Christian Gullager (Danish-American, 1759-1826) c. 1790. Gullager also painted a portrait of Washington now in the collection of the Massachusetts Historical Society. The sculptor of this bust, as well as the Old North Church version, remains unknown. When the Marquis de Lafayette saw the bust of Washington during a visit to the Old North Church in 1824 he is said to have remarked, "Yes, that is the man I knew and more like him than any other portrait."
Estimate $7,000-9,000

Old chips and loss to robes, button, and edges. Most small and unobtrusive, but there is an almost six inch narrow area of loss to edge of robe folds. Scattered rust-colored and yellow staining, including to tip of nose and lip. Surface grime.


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

Keywords

George Washington, Old North Church, American School, Christ Church, Christian Gullager, Massachusetts Historical Society