Lot 392: William Behnes (British, 1795-1864): A white marble portrait bust of a gentleman dated 1857 together with simlar period white marble bust of a gentleman in classical drapery

the first bust modelled full face with long side whiskers clad in a frockcoat, the rear signed and dated BEHNES 1857 on circular waisted socle, the second bust with curling hair looking to dexter clad in a draped robe, on later circular waisted scole, both weathered, 73cm and 75cm high2

75cm high

dated 1857

Behnes first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1815 and won silver medals in 1816, 1817 and 1819. In 1837 he was appointed sculptor in ordinary to Queen Victorian having previously executed busts of several members of the Royal family. In 1851 he showed to great acclaim at the Great Exhibition a colossal statue of Sir William Follett and a figure of Lady Godiva. However his final years were more troubled probably exasperated by bankruptcy in 1861.