George James Frampton

The collection of Norman Forbes Robertson;
Thence by descent

Overall the condition of the bronze is excellent.
"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."

George Frampton took the subject of this rare bust from a book of short stories written by Maurice Hewlett and published 1899. The story entitled Madonna of the Peach Tree tells of young Giovanna Scarpa 'fair haired and flushed, delicately shaped, tall and pliant'. Unfounded rumours led her to be stoned and chased out of the city of Verona with her baby boy. At dawn she came through the peach orchard outside the city walls to beg young shepherds for food. Such was her beauty that the boys believed they had seen a vision of the Virgin, and the town was filled with talk of apparitions and miracles.

By tradition the bust was given by the artist to Norman Forbes Robertson, a flamboyant character and a member of the renowned acting family.

RELATED LITERATURE
'Royal Academy Exhibition', 1910, Studio, July 1910, pp. 3-16