Lot 154: w - A WHITE MARBLE BUST OF A GIRL, EARLY 20TH CENTURY

probably by William Couper, on an integral socle, weathered

The present lot, although not signed, is almost identical to a bust called 'Evangeline' by the American sculptor William Couper (1853-1942), see lot 32 Christie's East, January 12, 1999. The only difference in this example is that the bodice is tied with lattice stringing and not horizontal as is the case in the signed model.

Born in Norfolk, Virgina, Couper acquired an early interest in sculpture after observing Italian craftsmen carving marble at his father's workshop. In 1872 Couper embarked on the Grand Tour. His passion for Italian culture meant that he was to stay there for twenty years, being accompanied by other well known American sculptors, such as Thomas Ball.

Couper's portrayals of historical, literary and moral subjects are rooted in late 19th century romanticsm. The Norfolk Landmark in 1884 wrote: "Perhaps the highest praise we can give him is to say that to forms of great beauty, the beauty of health, and faultless anatomy, he adds lovely faces which are not Greek. Best of all, every conception he has embodied is pure and tender."

h.62cm.

Provenance

Binbrook Hall, Lincolnshire