Description
Emil Wolff (German 1802-1879). A carved marble bust of Prince Albert, draped in the classical style, signed to the verso 'E. WOLFF, ROMA. FEC', to a turned socle, 29.5in (75cm) h, 19.5in (49.5cm) w, 11.5in (29.2cm) d. Old damages and repairs.
This recently discovered portrait bust of Prince Albert by Emil Wolff is identical to one found in the Musée du Louvre, Paris (Galerie Thorvaldsen, Salle E).. This version of Prince Albert is one of three portrait busts sculpted by Wolff. The first type is a plain bust modelled in 1839 and is in the Royal Collection, Buckingham Palace, London. The second version of Prince Albert with Grecian Armour (one of three known) was sold these rooms, Lot 348, Furniture & Works of Art, 5th April 2011. This version has been dated by Francesco Leone in his book 'A Rediscovered Marble Bust of Prince Albert by Emil Wolff', published by Alessandra di Castro Antichità , to the late 1830s to early 1840s. The version in the Louvre was donated to the French royal family in 1845.