John Graham Lough

Overall the condition of the bronze is very good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is a black patina which has worn, flaked off and scratched in a few areas revealing a brown underlayer. There is wear to the patina at the high points and, in particular, to the sides of the horses. The horse's tails are cast separately and original stable joints and pins are slightly visible. The proper left front leg of the horse on its back is cast separately. There is a stable minor fissure to the proper right front hoof of the upper horse. There is minor greening and a few whitish spots. There is dust to the interior 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 Northumbrian, John Graham Lough, has been described as a 'transitional' Victorian sculptor, who, despite spending three years in Italy, challenged the neo-classical ideal of beauty and subject matter. His early critical success, however, was not continued later in his long career.  Like many innovative painters and composers of the time (but fewer sculptors) Lough was hugely inspired by William Shakespeare. Duncan's Horses is Lough's first (1833-4), and perhaps most ambitious, interpretation of a Shakespearian subject. It is taken from Macbeth Act II, scene iv.

 

Ross:    And Duncan's horses, - a thing most strange and certain, -

Beauteous and swift, the minions of their race,

Turn'd wild in nature, broke their stalls, flung out,

Contending 'gainst obedience, as they would make

War with mankind

Old Man.‘Tis said they eat each other

Ross.    They did so, - to th’amazement of mine eyes,

That look’d upon’t

 

The Victoria & Albert Museum has three Shakespeare inspired marbles by Lough; Puck and Titania from A Midsumer Night's Dream and Jacques from As you like it.

 

Lough produced very few casts of his works. A large marble and a plaster of Duncan’s Horses are recorded in private collections, a further plaster is in the Los Angeles County Museum, and a bronze in the V&A. Lough benefitted from the patronage of many loyal Northumbrian clients, notably the Ridley family of Blagdon Hall. The 3rd Baron Ridley bought a cast of Duncan's Horses and his son commissioned several marbles.

 

RELATED LITERATURE
J. Lough, and E. Merson, John Graham Lough 1798- 1876, Woodbridge, 1987, pp. 21, 57, 84, illustrated on cover 
P. Fusco, European Painting and Sculpture in the Los Angeles Museum of Art, Los Angeles, 1987, p. 143 
D. Bilbey and M. Trusted,British Sculpture 1470 to 2000. A Concise Catalogue of the Collection at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, 2002, pp. 323-4, cat. no. 491