After a model by Hubert Le Sueur (1580-1658), English, 19th century

Overall the condition is good with some evidence of weathering to the surface. The head is slightly loose. There is dirt and wear consistent with age, including some dirt in the crevices.
"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 present cast is taken from a bronze bust by Hubert Le Sueur (1590-1658), court sculptor to Charles I, which was presented by Archbishop Laud to the Bodleian Library in Oxford in 1635-6 and is still in situ. It is thought that the Bodleian bust is itself a variant upon an earlier marble prototype today housed in the V&A, which bears the date 1631 and is signed by Le Sueur. The impressively detailed and ornate armour exhibited in the present cast is typical of the work of Le Sueur, who was the son of a master armourer. Particularly striking are the lion mask pauldrons, which reference Hercules and are possibly derived from one of Inigo Jones' costume designs for Oberon the Fairy Prince, a court masque held in 1611. The present cast compares closely with two other later bronze casts of similar dimensions and sharing the same socle: one in the Stiftung Preussischer Kulturbesitz (inv.no.2678) and the other sold at Sotheby's on 9th July 2004.

RELATED LITERATURE
Charles Avery, 'Hubert Le Seur's Portraits of King Charles I in Bronze, at Stourhead, Ickworth and elsewhere,' Studies in European Sculpture, London, 1981, pp. 189-204;
John Peacock, 'The Visual Image of Charles I,' in Thomas N. Corns (ed.), The Royal Images: Representations of Charles I, Cambridge, 1999, pp. 209-220