ALBERT POWER RHA | Bust of Dean Jonathan Swift

Adam's, Dublin, 1986

Overall the condition of the marble is very good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a few naturally occurring dark inclusions to the marble, including to the nose and to the shoulders. There are a few small chips, in particular to the bottom edge of the bust. There is a small chip which has been reattached on the proper left side of the lapel. There are possibly a few further minor chips to the tassels on top of the hat. There are a few scuff marks to the marble, including to the lapel at the front at the truncation, and to the reverse. The marble base is inscribed DN. SWIFT. The grey marble column, which measures 107.5cm, is in very good condition overall, with some minor scuff marks and small chips, in particular to the edges and corners. There are a few larger chips to the bottom of the column.
"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."

Albert Power was one of the leading sculptors in Ireland during the late 1920s and 1930s. As a young boy he learnt stone carving as an apprentice with the Smyth family and later studied at the Metropolitan School of Art, where he was taught figure-drawing by master practitioner William Orpen. He went on to exhibit regularly at the Royal Hibernian Academy, Dublin, winning the National Gold Medal for Sculpture in 1911. In 1912, he set up his own stone sculpture business and regularly received commissions for busts of prominent Irish public figures.  The present bust of Jonathan Swift (1667-1745) - the famous satirist, essayist, poet and cleric - author of Gulliver's Travels (1726) and cleric of St Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, is modelled on the original by Louis-Francois Roubiliac (1702-1762), which Roubiliac made for Trinity College, Dublin and currently sits alongside many other important 18th century busts. Roubiliac was a French sculptor who worked in England and became one of the most prominent sculptors in London working in the rococo style. Power also did a bronze bust of W. B. Yeats, see lot 44.