Lot 203: Bronze statue of Nicholas I

engraved Count. D'Orsay. Sculpt. London. 1846.
On rectangular base stepped on three sides, the full length statue showing the Emperor, engraved on reverse of base
26 in. (66 cm.) high

Count Alfred Guillaume Gabriel D'Orsay (1801-1852) was born in Paris. In 1822 he met the Earl and Countess of Blessington and was asked to accompany them on a tour of Italy, where he met Lord Byron, whose published correspondence contains numerous references to the count's accomplishments and gifts. After the death of Lord Blessington in 1929, Count D'Orsay accompanied the widowed countess to London, where his skill as a painter and sculptor was apparent in numerous portraits and statuettes of visitors. His work shows great strength and veracity. After 1849, the bankrupt count returned to Paris and continued his work. He was appointed director of Fine Art shortly before his death in 1852.

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