Humphrey Hopper (1764/5-1844) English, London, dated 1810

her left hand fitted with brass light fitting later converted for electricity

The overall condition is good. The painted surface has been refreshed and there is some craquelure. There is minor wear and few small chips. There is a hairline fracture to the left shoulder and to the front section of the corn in her hair on the right side. There is a loss of corn at the left side. There is an area of restoration from the left ellbow to the wrist. There is a minor area of restoration at the drapery on the right side. There is a horizontal hairline fissure across the back at her hip.
"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."

Humphrey Hopper was an English Mason who, according to Farington's Diary, "industriously exerted himself to acquire a knowledge of Art." He exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy of Art and was awarded the silver medal in 1802 and the gold medal in 1803.  J. Kenworthy-Browne has noted that he was associated with the Gemelli family of plaster casters.  They likely produced the present work, one in a series of mythological stuccos designed by the sculptor designed to hold lamps.  Kenworthy-Browne explains that the precise signature and date on the majority of these works indicate that Hopper probably took out a patent.  Four of his plasters are installed at Lancaster House, St. James.

RELATED LITERATURE
R. Gunnis, Dictionary of British Sculptors, 1660–1851 (1953) p. 209; J. Rutherford, Country House Lighting, 1660–1890 (1992), p. 135; Farington, Diary, 5, p. 1944, 6, p. 2191, 2202; J. Kenworthy-Browne, 'Hopper, Humphrey (1764/5–1844)', Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, Oxford University Press, 2004 [http://www.oxforddnb.com/view/article/13762, accessed 20 April 2008]