Lot 79: AN ENGLISH WHITE MARBLE BUST OF WILLIAM IV

AN ENGLISH WHITE MARBLE BUST OF WILLIAM IV
BY JOHN FRANCIS (1780-1861), DATED 1832
Inscribed to the reverse 'FRANCIS SC., LONDON, 1932'
29 in. (73.5 cm.) high

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John Francis displayed an artistic talent and was advised to seek training under Chantrey in 1810. He attracted the patronage of Mr Coke, later the Earl of Leicester, and successfully carved a portrait bust to be exhibited in the Royal Academy in 1820. He became the unoffical sculptor of the Whig Party and was a particular favourite of William IV.