Sir George James Frampton R.A.

Overall the condition of the bronze is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The patina is slightly dry. There are a few minor surface scratches, including to the proper right cheek, the nose, and the hair on the proper left side. There is also a minor area of residue or staining to the proper left cheek. There is some very slight greening in areas, including to the hair at the back of the neck. There is some wear to the ebonised wood base, including some light abrasions and stable splitting consistent with the material, notably one split to the bottom section at the front.
"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."

George Frampton took the subject of this rare bust from a book of short stories written by Maurice Hewlett and published 1899. The story entitled Madonna of the Peach Tree tells of young Giovanna Scarpa 'fair haired and flushed, delicately shaped, tall and pliant'. Unfounded rumours led her to be stoned and chased out of the city of Verona with her baby boy. At dawn she came through the peach orchard outside the city walls to beg young shepherds for food. Such was her beauty that the boys believed they had seen a vision of the Virgin, and the town was filled with talk of apparitions and miracles.

RELATED LITERATURE
'Royal Academy Exhibition', 1910, Studio, July 1910, pp. 3-16