JOSEPH NOLLEKENS (1737-1823) BRITISH, CIRCA 1813 | Bust of Frederick Augustus, Duke of York and Albany (1763-1827)

Christie's South Kensington, 9 April 2003, lot 495;
private collection, United Kingdom

Overall the condition of the marble is good, with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a few small naturally occurring inclusions to the marble. There is veining throughout, consistent with the material. There are some small chips including to the folds of drapery (including at the sternum) and one to the proper left eyebrow. There are a few dirt and paint marks, in particular to the back. The marble would benefit from cleaning by a professional conservator. There is a slightly open vein to the proper left shoulder.
"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 Duke of York and Albany was the second son of King George III. He spent much of his life in the British Army and was Commander-in-Chief during the Napoleonic Wars, at which time he embarked on significant structural reforms. It was said that he did 'more for the army than any one man has done for it in the whole of its history' (The Oxford Illustrated History of the British Army, Oxford, 1994, p. 145). Appropriately, this sale also includes a bust of his private secretary, Lieutenant-General Sir Herbert Taylor, with whom he had a close professional bond (see lot 128).  The present bust follows the same model as the marble in the Royal Collection, which was acquired by the sitter's brother, the Prince Regent, for the Entrance Hall at Carlton House in 1813 and is now at Windsor (inv. no. RCIN 31621).