MICHAEL AYRTON | Shepherd

Acquired directly from the Artist by a Private Collection, Australia
Keith Chapman Modern Sculpture, London, where acquired by the present owners in 2012

Bruton, Bruton Gallery, Michael Ayrton Work of the 1950s, 18th May - 15th June 1974, cat. no.3, illustrated (another cast).

Peter Cannon-Brookes, Michael Ayrton, An Illustrated Commentary, City Museums and Art Gallery, Birmingham, 1978, cat. no.103, illustrated p.59 (another cast).

The sculpture appears sound. There are one or two instances of very minor casting imperfections. There is a very small fleck of imperfection to the lamb's left proper ear. There is a hairline crack to the shepherd's left proper ankle, with a further hairline crack to the back of the right proper ankle. There are a small number of minor flecks of oxidisation and light rubbing in isolated places. There is casting residue and dirt to creviced areas. This excepting, the work appears in very good overall condition. The work has an integral bronze base. Please telephone the department on +44 (0) 207 293 6424 if you have any questions regarding the present work.
"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."

Ayrton explored the theme of the shepherd in a series of works in 1951 including a large oil (Manchester City Art Gallery), which depicts two contemporary shepherds, one youthful and one elderly, each carrying a sheep, fully clothed and depicted in front of farm buildings. In the present bronze, executed three years later, Ayrton has stripped the subject of any modern reference, the head is shorn and the figure wears only thin cloth trousers. The work with its contrapposto pose and focus on the underlying musculature directly references the ancient Greek statue the Moschoforos (Calf-bearer) (Acropolis Museum, Athens).