JOSEPH NOLLEKENS (1737-1823)BRITISH, 1811 | Bust of Sir John Rous, 1st Earl of Stradbroke (1750-1827)

Commissioned by the sitter and thence by descent in the Rous family, Hensham Hall, Suffolk;
their sale, Hensham Hall, Suffolk, Prudential Fine Art Auctioneers, 10-12 October 1988, lot 504;
William Berger (1925-1999) and Bernadette Berger (d. 2015);
Sotheby's London, 8 December 2009, lot 82;
private collection, United Kingtom

London, Royal Academy, 1811, no. 949

A. Graves, The Royal Academy of Arts, A Complete Dictionary of Contributors and their work from its foundation in 1769 to 1904, London, 1905, p. 382;
I. Roscoe, E. Hardy and M. G. Sullivan, A Biographical Dictionary of Sculptors in Britain, 1660-1851, London, 2009, p. 909, no. 303

Overall the condition of the bust is very good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are some minor residues of an old sticker to the chest. There are some specks of dirt to the shoulders. There is some minor natural veining to the marble consistent with the material, including to the nose and neck.
"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."

John Rous of Henham Hall, Suffolk, succeeded his father as sixth Baronet in 1771. He was elected to the House of Commons as Member of Parliament for Suffolk in 1780 and held the seat until 1796. In that last year he was raised to the peerage as Baron Rous of Dennington. In 1821 he was created Viscount Dunwich and Earl of Stradbroke. Aside from his parliamentary endeavours John Rous was a keen follower of the turf. He owned a stud farm and in 1815 his colt, Tigris, won the 2,000 Guineas. 

The bust is unique in marble. The likeness is carefully described and the marble retains its pristine surface. A plaster version was offered in the 1823 sale of Nollekens studio as lot 66.