Furniture, Works of Art & Clocks - Day 2 - 30 Jun 2022
580
A PLASTER BUST OF JAMES WATT
A PLASTER BUST OF JAMES WATT
AFTER SIR FRANCIS CHANTREY (1781-1841)
with a painted wash finish, inscribed 'Chantrey, Sculptor, 1818', together with an oak pedestal (2)
69.4cm high, the pedestal: 125cm high
Catalogue Note
James Watt, Scottish scientist and engineer, rose to fame following his work on improving Newcomen's steam engine which was then put into successful commercial production when he went into partnership with Matthew Boulton.
The original version of the present lot was commissioned from Chantrey in 1814. Due to Watt's fame, there was an instant demand for replicas which were produced in full size, in marble and plaster, and in miniature in ivory.