Alfred Gilbert British, 1854-1934

Walter Gilbert, thence by descent

Overall the condition of the bronze is very good with minor wear to the patina consistent with age. There is some minor greening in the crevices and some spots of white paint to the back of the figure.
"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."

The figure of Charity is one of the four allegorical figures that decorate the memorial candelabra to Lord Arthur Russell. In November 1899 Gilbert delived the Charity to Alessandro Parlanti, who owned one of the finest foundries for lost wax casting in London. It was submitted together with a duplicate cast that was later owned by Alfred Drury and is now in the Victoira and Albert Museum (A.21-1971). Like these, the present figure is also a lost wax cast, which distinguishes it from those edited by the Compagnie des Bronzes in Brussls, which are all sand-casts. There are sets of these in the Ashmolean Museum and the Birmingham Sity Art Gallery and Museum.

RELATED LITERATURE
Penny, vol. 3 p. 88, nos. 508-10; Alfred Gilbert: Sculptor and Goldsmith, pp. 299, 301-313; Dorment , p. 193