Cannel Coal Busts of Henry VIII and Mary, Queen of Scots

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Cannel Coal Busts of Henry VIII and Mary, Queen of Scots

About the Item

The legendary English King Henry VIII and his great niece, Mary, Queen of Scots, are the subjects of these exceptionally rare and quintessentially British portrait busts. Crafted by Robert Town of Wigan, the busts are formed from large specimens of cannel coal, a rare soft type of bituminous coal that is easily carved and does not soil the hands when handled. Thanks to its pliability and its ability to achieve a high sheen, this coal was long coveted for its ornamental purposes, and it was formed into busts such as these and even furniture veneers. However, because the material is so delicate, very few 18th century examples have survived, particularly in such exceptional condition as these busts. Over 250 years old, they are undeniable masterpieces of the art form. An impeccable level of detail is achieved in each figure, particularly in the embroideries of their costumes and the King's curly beard. They were crafted by the respected British sculptor Robert Town of Wigan, who worked in cannel coal for clients who included the Earl of Crawford. The designs were taken from prints by Jacob Houbraken (1698-1780), made for the historical series Heads of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain that was published in parts in London between 1734 and 1752. Two nearly identical cannel coal portrait busts of Henry VIII by Town can be found in the British Museum (London) and the Victoria & Albert Museum (London), while a similar example by Town capturing Mary is also in the British Museum collection. A portrait medallion of Henry VIII in cannel coal of circa 1755, also attributed to Town, is in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, circa 1756 Measures: 9" wide x 5 3/4" deep x 16" high Provenance: Collection of the Late Eila Grahame, descendant of the Grahames of Duntrune and Claverhouse.

Dimensions:
Height: 16 in (40.64 cm)Width: 9 in (22.86 cm)Depth: 5.75 in (14.61 cm)
Style:
Other (In the Style Of)
Materials and Techniques:
Stone
Period:
18th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1756
Condition:
Seller Location:
New Orleans, LA
Reference Number:
Seller: 31-24581stDibs: LU891121914562

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