Alfred Gilbert British, 1854-1934

Samuel Solomon Joseph, aquired from the artist 15th July 1892;
Joseph's daughter, who inherited Victory after her father's death in 1898;
thence by descent until 2005

Overall the condition of the figure is very good with some minor wear and tarnishing to the surface consistent with age. Casting joints are slightly visible at the back of the wings and around the upper arm.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Alfred Gilbert conceived his figure of Victory in 1887 to surmount the orb held by the monarch in his Jubilee Memorial to Queen Victoria, Winchester. This was one of Gilberts most famous works, called "a masterpiece among masterpieces" in 1901 by Spielman, who singled out the "exquisite Victory" for especial praise. The Victory, edited as an independent work of art in bronze and silver and in various sizes, became one of Gilbert's best-known works, an emblem of his oeuvre. It was also a personal favourite, his gift of choice for friends such as the painter John Singer Sargeant.
 
It was also, of course, available for purchase. This particular figure was bought by Samuel Joseph, as recorded in his stock book: "1892 July 15^th Alf. Gilbert R. A. Silver statuette "Victory" £100". Gilbert did envisage the Victory on a monumental scale at over four metres high, for the Boer War Memorial at Leicester, however, although a plaster model was made, the commission was never completed.

Gilbert's virtuoso skill as a bronze founder and goldsmith earned him the title of "the Benvenuto Cellini of this age" from Frederick, Lord Leighton, president of the Royal Academy. He also produced jewellery and his small statuettes often have a jewel-like quality emphasised by the use of precious materials such as the silver of the present figure. His reputation in his own time was such that Spielman quoted a fellow sculptor as saying: "I never see a work of Gilbert's but I feel I must take off my hat to it."

RELATED LITERATURE
Spielman, pp. 75-85; Alfred Gilbert: Sculptor and Goldsmith, nos. 33 & 34, pp. 128-129; Richard Dorment, p. 78