Lot 114
  • 114

Joseph Gott (1786-1860) British, 1829

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
bidding is closed

Description

  • Emperor Napoleon
  •  
  • white marble
  • Joseph Gott (1786-1860) British, 1829
signed and dated: J. Gott 1829 and entitled: NAPOLEONE

Provenance

Benjamin Gott (1762-1840), Armley House, Yorkshire, United Kingdom;
by family descent;
their sale Christie's, 1 December 1894, lot 121;
Thomas Gribble, Fine Art Commission Agent, London;
private collection, United Kingdom

Literature

Joseph Gott, 1786-1860, Sculptor, exh. cat. Temple Newsam House, Leeds, and Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool, 1972, p. 29, no. G22;
'Aspects of Nineteenth Century Sculpture in Leeds, Part 2: Patronage Of The Benjamin Gott Family,' Leeds Art Calendar, no.70, 1972

Condition

Overall the condition of the marble is very good. There are a few very small naturally occurring inclusions, notably one to the proper left side of the chest, to the first 'E' in NAPOLEONE, and to the chin. There is minor veining to the marble consistent with the material, including to across the chest. There are a few small abrasions to the edges and corners of the herm.
"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."

Catalogue Note

This remarkable bust of Napoleon by the celebrated artist Joseph Gott is an important rediscovery for British Neoclassical sculpture. The bust was recorded in the 1972 monographic exhibition on Gott, but it was said to be 'untraced'. Gott carved his Napoleon when he was at the zenith of his career, living in Rome with a pension from Sir Thomas Lawrence and a letter of introduction to Antonio Canova. Writing in 1826, the Academician Thomas Unwins noted that 'Gott and Gibson, the English sculptors are getting for themselves and for their country a high reputation,' whilst Turner described Gott's popularity amongst patrons in Rome. The present bust was carved for Gott's most loyal patron, his cousin the visionary industrialist Benjamin Gott. The latter was a close friend of James Watt, whose engines powered his vast mills in Leeds. The Napoleon is fundamentally indebted to models by Antoine-Denis Chaudet and Antonio Canova, but, in the beautifully carved flowing locks of hair and superb polished surface, it provides a unique British contribution to the iconography of the Emperor of the French.