A fine 19th century marble portrait bust of young woman by the renowned Scottish sculptor William Brodie (1815-1881) dated 1848.

Signed on the reverse: W. Brodie, 1848

The current bust, clearly influenced by the classical tradition, is rare example of Brodie’s early work and executed while attending The Trustees Academy in Edinburgh from 1846 to 1850. In 1848 he gained the highest premiums for modelling from life and the antique and it is tempting to think that this may have been one of the pieces that contributed to this prestigious award. In 1853 he went to Rome where he immersed himself in the study of the antique and explored his talent for ideal statuary in the studio of Laurence MacDonald. Following his return to Edinburgh in 1854 he was to gain national recognition as one of the most proficient and prolific exponents of bust portraiture in the liberally classicizing tradition of Sir Francis Chantrey.

His work is extensively represented in the collections of the University of Edinburgh; New College; the Faculty of Advocates; and the National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh.

 Bibliography: Smailes, Helen E. Dictionary of National Biography, 2004

STOCK NUMBER 4512

Measurements
WIDTH: 12 INS ( 30 CMS) HEIGHT: 21½ INS (52 CMS) DEPTH 9 INS (23 CMS)