Lot 201: Workshop of Joseph Nollekens, English (1737-1823) A marble portrait bust of Charles James Fox (1749-1806)

Depicted all antica, looking slightly to dexter, on a waisted socle, 68cm (26.5") high

Provenance: The late Tony Banks, Baron Stratford (1942-2006) and sold as part of The Tony Banks Collection: Political art and memorabilia, Bonhams London, 3rd May 2007, lot 176.

Described by Gunnis as one of Nolleken's 'stock pieces'; numerous examples were produced both by Nolleken's own hand and by his workshop staff are known in various collections throughout Britain.

This bust was Nolleken's second portrait of Fox. The first was commissioned by Lord Fitzwilliam for Catherine II of Russia, and depicted him wearing a large wig. This version was exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1791 and is now in the Hermitage. The present wig-less version was exhibited at the RA in 1802. Other versions of the wig-less Fox are in the Lady Lever Art Gallery, a dated and incised version is in the National Portrait Gallery, a further example dated 1803 is in the possession of George Howard Esq. at Castle Howard, and a signed but undated version is in the Victoria and Albert Museum. Two further dated examples were known to have been at Holland House, as they are listed in the 1904 catalogue.

The present bust may have been carved by one of his workshop assistants, perhaps Alexander Goblet or Sebstian Gahagan.

Literature: R. Gunnis Dictionary of British Sculptors 1660-1851, The Abbey Library, London, pages 276-279.
D. Bilbey & M. Trusted British Sculpture 1470-2000 A Concise Catalogue of the Collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum, V&A Publications, London, 2002, page 98.