Workshop of Joseph Nollekens (1737-1823), English, early 19th century

wearing a loose mantle, inscribed in pencil, F. Faulkes on the back

Devonshire House Inventory, 1892, possibly p. 37, in the South Sitting Room 'Bust of Cavendish'
Simon Upton, 'The World of Interiors', Private Chatsworth, October 2001, p. 248

Overall the condition of the marble is very good. There is some dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are two minor stable fissures to the figure's right shoulder. There is a small filled inclusion to the figure's left check and a small filled hole to the reverse of the socle. There are several minor paint and pencil marks to the reverse of the bust and to the socle.
"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."

This is one of two marble busts of the sitter. The other version remains in the Devonshire Collection. One may have been created for the sitter, the other for his brother the 5th Duke of Devonshire. George, 1st Earl of Burlington was the younger son of William, 4th Duke of Devonshire, and his wife Lady Charlotte Boyle. He married in 1782 Lady Elizabeth Compton, daughter of the Earl of Northampton and his wife Lady Ann Somerset. It is through this connection that Compton Place, where he and his wife lived in Sussex, passed into the Cavendish family. Lord George inherited the very considerable fortune of Henry Cavendish the scientist in 1810. By that time, because of the accumlated interest, it amounted to £1,750,000, making Lord George one of the richest men in England.  It was this that enabled him to purchase Burlington House in 1815, which he acquired from his cousin the 6th Duke. Lord George was enobled at the coronation of William IV  in 1832 taking his maternal family title as The Earl of Burlington (of the second creation). His elder son William predeceased him so the title passed to his grandson William who in turn became 7th Duke of Devonshire in 1858.