Attributed to John Michael Rysbrack (1694-1770), English, second quarter 18th century

Sotheby's, 8 July 1993, lot 190

Overall the condition of the terracotta is very good. There is some minor wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There is a small area of restoration to the topmost leaf on the laurel wreath. There are a few minor nicks to the edges of the base.
"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."

The loose modelling of this small but arresting herm bust suggests that this may be an early working model for Rysbrack's busts of King George II. This notion is clearly underpinned by the nonchalant inclusion of the large thumbprint at its base.

Rysbrack produced two life-size busts of the King in 1738. The monarch had recently passed on and it is thought that these busts were ordered to commemorate him. Both are kept in the Royal Collection at Windsor together with a third unsigned marble. A further version in the Victoria and Albert Museum (A.10-1932), signed and dated 1760, is generally regarded to have originated in the workshop. Only the present terracotta shows the King with undraped shoulders and short hair suggesting that Rysbrack possibly envisaged a more classicising bust early on.

RELATED LITERATURE
D. Bilbey and M. Trusted, British Sculpture 1470 to 2000. A concise catalogue of the collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 2002, p. 141, no. 194; M. Webb, Michael Rysbrack Sculptor, London, 1954, pp. 155-56 and 216