Lot 178: An 18th century English bronze relief depicting Oliver Cromwell in the style of Louis Francois Roubiliac, English (1705-1762)

in the style of Louis Francois Roubiliac, English (1705-1762)
Of oval form, 16cm high, 12cm wide, (6" high, 4.5" wide)

This rare English portrait relief undoubtedly takes its inspiration from Louis Francois Roubiliac's portraits of Cromwell. Roubiliac's full face depiction of Cromwell in terracotta is now in the Royal Ontario Museum, Toronto, whilst his full size bust is in the British Museum. Included in the sale of Roubiliac's works after his death is in 1762 listed a 'plaister medal of Cromwell', and under the heading 'BRONZES etc' is listed a 'basso relievo of Oliver Cromwell'.
Related Literature:
John Mallet, 'Some Portrait Medallions by Roubiliac', Burlington Magazine, April 1962, pl.26, illustrates the full face terracotta medallion of Cromwell.