Probably Nicolas Guillemin (born 1817) After designs by George Frederick Bodley (1827-1907) British, 1886-1888

St Paul's Cathedral, London, 1888- circa 1945 (removed following wartime bombing in 1940);
art market, United Kingdom, 1970;
on loan to the Cartwright Hall Museum, Bradford, circa 1976-1996;
on loan to the Baker University Museum, Baldwin City, 1996-2005;
Bonhams, New York, 29 November 2005, lot 18

London, St Paul's Cathedral, 1888- circa 1945;
Bradford, Cartwright Hall Museum, circa 1976-1996;
Baldwin City, Baker University Museum, 1996-2005

Overall the condition of the marble is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is wear to the gilding, areas of gilding have been lost, whilst others may have been refreshed. It is possible that the ends of the sword's quillion may be reattached. There are a few small chips to the drapery. There are a few small pits to the marble, including to the drapery on the proper left side (probably shrapnel damage from the 1940 air raid). There are a few small chips to the edges of the ground. There is a small hole to the back of the head, and three or four smaller holes to the top of the head. There is some restoration to the back at the right side. The plinth has been cut down in size and there is a large chip to one of the corners. The moulding continues only partially round the bottom edge of the plinth. A section of the plinth has been deliberately carved out.
"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 impressive figure of St Paul originally surmounted the reredos (or screen) which stood behind the High Altar of St Paul's Cathedral in London. The reredos, which was designed by the celebrated Victorian architect George Frederick Bodley and constructed by the firm of Farmer and Brindley, was one of the most important decorative schemes of the age. It was the cause of much controversy when it was unveiled, when a group of conservative protestants branded the monument superstitious and embarked on legal proceedings to have it removed. The reredos survived, and, in the wake of the court case, became a major visitor attraction. It unfortunately met its end during the Blitz of 1940; wartime bomb damage necessitating its dismantling.

The carver of the present figure is recorded as being a 'M Guillemin'. He can most likely be identified as being Nicolas Guillemin, who was a student of the French Romantic sculptor David d'Angers (1788-1856). The present figure's dramatic composition, which references Mannerist sculpture, and inherent classicism, can be compared with David's studies of historical notables.