Lot 280: William Behnes (1795-1864): A 19th century carved white marble bust of a gentleman

Looking to dexter, wearing a toga, on a waisted circular socle, signed to the reverse 'W BEHNES S.C.', 82cm high (32" high).

William Behnes (1795-1864) was a English sculptor brought up in Dublin. He entered the R.A. Schools in 1813, and began sculpting around 1819 after taking lessons from P F Chenu. One of his earliest sitters was Queen Victoria, and in 1837 he was appointed Sculptor in Ordinary to the Queen.