Bust of Sir Thomas Lawrence
Robert William Sievier
(English, 1794–1865)
1830
Object PlaceEngland
Medium/TechniquePlaster
Dimensions52.39 cm (20 5/8 in.)
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Francis A. Hall
Accession number91.182
On View
Not on viewClassificationsSculpture
Collections
ProvenanceAbout 1830/1834, probably acquired from the estate of Sir Thomas Lawrence by Archibald J. Keightley; by 1836, gift of Archibald J. Keightley to Edward Tuckerman; by 1891, from Edward Tuckerman to Francis A. Hall [see note 1]; 1891, gift of Mrs. Francis A. Hall to the MFA. (Accession Date: May 5, 1891)
NOTES:
[1] Extract of Edward Tuckerman's letter, to F.A. Hall, Liverpool, August 9, 1836, relative to the bust of Sir Thomas Lawrence: "The evening prior to my leaving London, Mr. Keightley (administration on the estate of Sir. Thomas Lawrence), made me a present which is invaluable. A cast taken from the head of Sir Thomas, a few hours after his death, by a particular friend, of course a correct likeness not only of his face but of his phrenology. For certain family reasons, the bust was never published, consequently in addition to its other value, it possesses that of being a unique. Mr. K. gave it conditionally "that I would not allow it to be copied"-and my word is pledge to that effect. I am confident it will meet with care when I assure you that $1,00 would not purchase it of me." (Passed on to Charles G. Loring by Thomas H. Chandler on July 26, 1893 from the Harvard Dental Department.) The original letter and this excerpt are in the file for this object.
NOTES:
[1] Extract of Edward Tuckerman's letter, to F.A. Hall, Liverpool, August 9, 1836, relative to the bust of Sir Thomas Lawrence: "The evening prior to my leaving London, Mr. Keightley (administration on the estate of Sir. Thomas Lawrence), made me a present which is invaluable. A cast taken from the head of Sir Thomas, a few hours after his death, by a particular friend, of course a correct likeness not only of his face but of his phrenology. For certain family reasons, the bust was never published, consequently in addition to its other value, it possesses that of being a unique. Mr. K. gave it conditionally "that I would not allow it to be copied"-and my word is pledge to that effect. I am confident it will meet with care when I assure you that $1,00 would not purchase it of me." (Passed on to Charles G. Loring by Thomas H. Chandler on July 26, 1893 from the Harvard Dental Department.) The original letter and this excerpt are in the file for this object.
William Morris Hunt
William Morris Hunt
about 1855–72
