ALEXANDER MUNRO | The Sisters

Private Collection, UK, since at least 1965

A. Graves, The Royal Academy of Arts: A Complete Dictionary of Contributors and their Work from its Foundation in 1769 to 1904, vol. 5, London 1906, p. 327, no. 1309;
I. Roscoe, E. Hardy and M.G. Sullivan, A Biographical Dictionary of Sculptors in Britain, 1660-1851, New Haven and London, 2009, p. 863

The marble is overall in good condition and would benefit from a professional clean. There is old dirt and grime throughout the marble, most extensively on the naturalistic base. There are various surface marks of white, brown and green paint. All this would respond well to professional cleaning. There are abrasions on the nose of the seated girl and on her left forearm. Her left middle finger is damaged. There is an abrasion to the ivy on the shoulder of the kneeling girl and a small area of orange discolouration on her neck. There is some natural veining, principally on the back of the group and under the arm of the seated girl. Otherwise the marble is in good condition with extensive areas of original carving.
"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 Scottish sculptor Alexander Munro was born in Inverness and his youthful talent was encouraged by the headmaster of his school. His first patron was Harriet, Duchess of Sutherland, who brought him to the attention of the architect Charles Barry. Barry in turn introduced him to John Thomas and Munro travelled to London to work with Thomas on the new Houses of Parliament. He subsequently took up studies at the Royal Academy schools where he became friends with Dante Gabriel Rossetti and John Everett Millais. The Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood had a lasting impression on his work.  A marble group titled The Sisters is listed by Roscoe (op. cit., as 'untraced') and Graves (op. cit) as having been exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1857. With the dating on the present marble, it is most probably the present lot, making this an important rediscovery of a documented work by Munro. Quiet piety and sisterly love seem to emanate from the group, which is heightened by the smooth marble and the quality of the carving.