Circle of John Cheere (1709–1787) 

Christie's London, 2 May 1997, lot 9

This finely cast pair of lead busts are related in style to the greatest of all lead sculptors, John Cheere. Based at Hyde Park corner, Cheere’s expertise in lead casting grew to its height with the vogue for lead garden sculptures during the middle of the 18th century. His ultimate commission came from King Pedro III for over 90 statues and groups for the Royal Palace at Queluz in Portugal. The logistical challenge of such a commission demonstrates the efficiency and skill of Cheere’s workshop – the works were promptly delivered between 1755 and 1757, and he was paid the princely sum of £871 17s. A close study, and conservation, of the Cheere lead statues at Queluz conducted by Rupert Harris Conservation observed a less elaborate handling of similar subjects in Cheere's work than in the present busts and, in particular, a consistent use of a fine punching to create texture, notably in the hair and drapery. This technique is not apparent in the present busts which leads to the conclusion that they are most likely by a contemporary English, or possibly Netherlandish, sculptor working in a similar, yet distinct manner to the prodigious John Cheere.

RELATED LITERATURE
The Man at Hyde Park Corner. Sculpture by John Cheere 1709-1787, exh. cat., Temple Newsam, Leeds and Maple Hill House, Twickenham, 1974; I. Roscoe (ed.), A Biographical Dictionary of Sculptors in Britain, 1660-1851, New Haven and London, 2009, pp. 262-269