Lot 35: Matthew Noble (English, 1818-1876): A mid 19th century carved ivory miniature Bust of Prince Albert

the sitter looking slightly to dexter, his shoulders clad in drapery, on circular waisted socle, the rear inscribed H.R.H. THE PRINCE CONSORT., signed M NOBLE S. LONDON 1858., 13 cm. high.

The portrait sculptor Matthew Noble was born in Harness, near Scarborough and went to London as a young man where he studied under John Francis.

He exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy from 1845 but became recognised after winning the competition to design the Wellington Monument in Manchester in 1856. Some of his works were copied in miniature by Copeland's, for production in Parian ware.