JOSEPH GOTT | Boy with a Dog

Overall the condition of the marble is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The dog has been reattached to the larger group. There are restored slightly visible fractures at the basket handle, at the dog's paws, to the front legs, to the dog's ears and to the dog's tail. The pipe on the ground is partially restored. There is veining to the marble consistent with the material, including to the boy's face. There are naturally occurring inclusions, including to the back. There are some further small restorations, including to the ribbons of the pipe. There are some small chips and abrasions around the base.
"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."

Joseph Gott trained under the Neoclassical sculptor John Flaxman in London between 1798 and 1802. He moved to Rome in 1822, where he established a distinguished reputation as a sculptor. Gott rejected the austere classicism of his master, Flaxman, and his contemporary, John Gibson, in favour of an elegant romanticism, though with classical overtones. Gott seems to have had a particular affinity with dogs, and composed various playful groups of dogs and children. Compare the present composition to a terracotta of a Boy with a Greyhound, sold in these rooms, 8 July 2003, lot 175; and further to A Boy with a Ball and a Dog, exhibited in Leeds in 1972 (op. cit. plate 58). 

RELATED LITERATURE
T. Friedman and T. Stevens (eds.), Joseph Gott, 1786-1860, Sculptor, exh. cat. Leeds City Art Gallery and the Walker Art Gallery, Leeds and Liverpool, 1972, pl. 16