An English marble figure of Ruth, by Joseph Gott (1786-1860), dated 1827, Rome

Inscribed RVTH and signed J GOTT / ROME 1827.

Carved for Francis Egerton, 1st Earl of Ellesmere (until 1833 known as Lord Francis Leveson-Gower)

Exposition Universelle, Paris, May 15 to November 15, 1855 (Class 29, sculpture 1133)

Giornale de Belle Arti Ossia Pubblicazione Mensuale delle Migliore degli artisti moderni, Anno I, 1830, p. 61, plate XXIV
Terry Friedman, Joseph Gott, 1786-1860, sculptor, Leeds, 1972, p. 46

General weathering, marks, scratches, wear, chipping and small losses throughout. Chipping to ends of wheat sheaves. Hairline crack to base near her proper right hand. Three cracks through sheaves in her proper right hand and extremely well restored clean break in her wrist. Chipping to curls falling on her back with very minor restoration. Surface of marble is abraded probably from a chemical cleaning in the early 20th century.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Joseph Gott was apprenticed to John Flaxman in London between 1798 and 1802 and entered the Royal Academy schools in 1805. By 1822 he was living in Rome on a pension from his patron Sir Thomas Lawrence and apart from short periods of work in Leeds, he remained in Rome until his death. Gott made frequent visits to England to obtain commissions from both the aristocracy and the industrial magnates of the North.  The present sculpture was commissioned by Francis Egerton, 1st Earl of Ellesmere, recorded in 1830 and was lent by him to the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1855.  A great patron of the arts, Ellesmere built upon his inherited collection with new commissions, displaying art in a public gallery.  Among other posts and honors served as a trustee of the National Gallery and president of the Royal Geographical Society.