Lot 146: ADRIAN JONES BRITISH, 1845-1938

signed: Adrian Jones, inscribed C^ie des Bronzes. Bruxelles and stamped beneath 5117

bronze, dark brown patina, on an ebonised plinth in two parts

Quantity: 3

bronze: 76 by 40.5cm., 30 by 16cm. base: 11.5cm., 4 1/2 in.

Brevet-Colonel Charles Frederick St. Clair Anstruther (1855 - 1925) DSO MVO DL
Commander of 2nd Life Guards
thence by descent

The Brussels-based Compagnie des Bronzes was used by a number of high profile English sculptors who were attracted by the excellent quality of their castings. Sir Alfred Gilbert is a notable example. The present equestrian group can probably be identified with Jones' model of 'Waterloo; statuette. "The charge well fought, etc."', exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1889 (no.2133). It represents the standard bearer of the 2nd Life Guards, which formed part of the famous charge at Waterloo against the French Cuirassiers that saved the British centre from being overrun. Jones, who had himself served as a Captain in the 2nd Life Guards, executed many monuments relating to military endeavour. His main speciality was horses and his most visible and famous work is the quadriga atop Constitution Arch at Hyde Park Corner.

RELATED LITERATURE Graves vol.4, p.261; S.Crellin, 'Jones, Adrian (1845-1938)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004