Thomas Thornycroft

Private collection, London, United Kingdom

Overall the condition of the bronze is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is some wear to the patina, especially to the dress by the proper left foot and at the horse's eyes. There are glue residues to the horse's face and to the proper right side of the upper body at the front. There are some slightly visible original joints: at the tail and at Victoria's arms (the joint at the proper right arm is slightly open). There are some original plugs by the joints at the arms. The reins are partially reattached.
"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."

When the awe-struck Victorian visitors to the Great Exhibition in 1851 first entered Paxton's Crystal Palace they were at once faced by Thornycroft's life-size equestrian statue of Queen Victoria. Its innovative representation of the young sovereign in contemporary clothes riding her lively Arab stallion was considered by some critics as too modern. The portrait was selected by the Art Union of London for reproduction as a bronze reduction following its exhibition at the Royal Academy in 1854.