Lot 35: JOHN DEARE (1759-1798) ITALIAN, ROME, CIRCA 1789 | Eleanor and Edward

white marble

84 by 98cm., 33 by 38 5/8 in.

white marble

Overall the condition of the marble is very good. There is only minor dirt and wear to the surface, which is consistent with age. The marble retains its original beautifully carved surface. There is minor veining to the marble consistent with the material, in particular a near-vertical vein running from the centre top through into Eleanor's drapery; this vein is very slightly open at the mourner's back. There is a natural vein with metallic traces to the side of Eleanor's torso. There are a few very minor naturally occurring inclusions in the marble: in particular at Edward's shoulder and in the top left corner. There are a few minor chips and abrasions, including to the drapery, such as to the terminals of the folds falling from Eleanor's lap. There are also a few minor abrasions to Edward's drapery and helmet straps. There are some minor chips and abrasions to the sides of the relief and minor surface scuffs. The reverse: is smooth with a horizontal line left roughly hewn running through the middle. There are two rectangular inlets low down symmetrically placed, probably for mounts. There are mount holes to the sides.
"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."

K. Esdaile, The Life and Works of Louis François Roubiliac, London, 1929, p. 206;
The Late Georgian Period: 1710-1810, published by The Connoisseur, London, 1956;
H. Honour, Neo-Classicism, London, 1968, pp. 143-144;
P. Fogelman, P. Fusco and S. Stock, ‘John Deare (1759–1798): A British Neoclassical Sculptor in Rome,'  The Sculpture Journal, iv, 2000, pp. 92-94, no. 14, fig. 13;
C. Avery, 'John Deare's marble reliefs for Sir Andrew Corbet Corbet, Bt,' The British Art Journal, vol. 3, no. 2, Spring, 2002, pp. 51-52, 56, 

Probably Patrick Lattin, Paris, France, circa 1789;
possibly Henry Harrington, Grange, County Wicklow, Ireland, sold 1832;
certainly London art market, 1940s;
Hugh Honour FRSL (1927-2016) and John Fleming (1919-2001), Villa Marchiò, Tofori, Tuscany, Italy