Sir Joseph Edgar Boehm R.A.

private collection, United Kingdom

Overall the condition of the marble is good, with some dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is some veining to the marble consistent with the material, including a vein running diagonally across the truncation at the front on the proper left side, one to the upper lip, and further veins to the proper right side of the truncation at the front and to the back. There are a few naturally occurring inclusions to the marble, some with fill, notably to the proper right temple, the proper left cheek, and to a strand of hair on the proper left side of the head. There are a few chips and abrasions to the edge of the truncation and to the edges of the marble socle.
"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."

This finely carved marble bust epitomises the 19th-century taste for portrait busts. The sitter appears to be Octavia Hill, the celebrated social reformer, and one of the three founders of Britain's National Trust. Hill worked tirelessly to alleviate poverty, establishing housing schemes in which she became well acquainted with residents, helping them to better themselves. A close friend of John Ruskin, she fought against development of green spaces, helping to save Hampstead Heath and Parliament Fields for future generations. The present bust previously had an identification as Catherine Charlotte Maberly (1805–1875), the 19th century novelist. However, the close similarity to portraits of Octavia Hill would suggest that it is a portrait of this important Victorian social reformer.

Sir Joseph Edgar Boehm RA, was one of Queen Victoria's most favoured artists, becoming Sculptor-in-Ordinary in 1880. He is best known for his portraits of 19th-century British courtiers, politicians and members of the Royal Family.

RELATED LITERATURE
M. Stocker, Royalist and Realist: The Life and Work of Sir Joseph Edgar Boehm, London and New York, 1988