- 94
An English stoneware figure of Nelson, circa 1800
Estimate
1,500 - 2,500 GBP
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Description
- Stoneware - pottery, alabaster
- overall height 30cm., 11 7/8 in. high, the medallion 9.5cm., 3 3/4 in. long
modelled by Pierre Stephan, standing before a canon inscribed 'Nelson', the edge of the base inscribed 'Stephan. F', together with an alabaster medallion portrait of Nelson, moulded with half-bust profile, 19th century,
Provenance
The Rev. William Nelson, Trafalgar House, Wiltshire;
Thence by descent;
London, Sotheby’s, Trafalgar: Nelson and the Napoleonic Wars, 5 October 2005, lot 86;
Where acquired by the owner.
Thence by descent;
London, Sotheby’s, Trafalgar: Nelson and the Napoleonic Wars, 5 October 2005, lot 86;
Where acquired by the owner.
Literature
RELATED LITERATURE
Hilary Young, The Birth of the Ceramic Designer, British Ceramic Design 1600-2002, E.C.C., 2002, pp. 23-24, pl. 14.
Hilary Young, The Birth of the Ceramic Designer, British Ceramic Design 1600-2002, E.C.C., 2002, pp. 23-24, pl. 14.
Condition
The Figure of Nelson: The top section of the back of the tricorn hat lacking, measuring approximately 4.5cm at widest point, and 1cm. at deepest point. Small chip to edge of hat on his left side. Top part of speaking trumpet lacking from left hand upwards. Bottom of scabbard lacking. One barbed flute of anchor lacking. Could benefit from a light cleaning.
The Cameo: overall in good condition with minor nicks to extremities and around edges.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."
Catalogue Note
This figure appears to be unrecorded in the literature. Two portrait busts of Nelson in biscuit porcelain and earthenware, modelled by Stephan, are in the National Maritime Museum, Greenwich. He also modelled feldspathic stoneware busts of Admiral Duncan and Earl St. Vincent for the Herculaneum Pottery in Liverpool. Closely related to the figure of Nelson are Stephan's models of Admiral Rodney and Lord Hood.
An example of Admiral Rodney, probably from the same series as the present figure, also incised with the modeller's name is in the V&A museum, London, museum no. C.134-1937. Hilary Young, op. cit., illustrates two black basalt figures of Rodney and Admiral Howe by Stephen, and an example of Rodney in pearlware was recently sold at Bonham's, 12th November 2014, lot 62.
Stephan is likely to have been of Swiss extraction. He is first heard of in September 1770 when he signed a contract with William Duesbury of the Derby Factory, agreeing to model and repair porcelain for three years. He also produced work for the Wirksworth factory in Derbyshire, for Wedgwood and for Coalport, as well as later occasional work for Derby. For a discussion of Stephan's career, see Hilary Young, Pierre Stephan; the career of a Derby modeller reviewed, Derby Porcelain International Society, Journal 4, 2000, pp. 83-93.
An example of Admiral Rodney, probably from the same series as the present figure, also incised with the modeller's name is in the V&A museum, London, museum no. C.134-1937. Hilary Young, op. cit., illustrates two black basalt figures of Rodney and Admiral Howe by Stephen, and an example of Rodney in pearlware was recently sold at Bonham's, 12th November 2014, lot 62.
Stephan is likely to have been of Swiss extraction. He is first heard of in September 1770 when he signed a contract with William Duesbury of the Derby Factory, agreeing to model and repair porcelain for three years. He also produced work for the Wirksworth factory in Derbyshire, for Wedgwood and for Coalport, as well as later occasional work for Derby. For a discussion of Stephan's career, see Hilary Young, Pierre Stephan; the career of a Derby modeller reviewed, Derby Porcelain International Society, Journal 4, 2000, pp. 83-93.