Art Whisper
Art Whisper
Samuel Alcock & Company, 1824
Stop and look at this striking bust of Lord Lyndhurst. Its unglazed porcelain surface makes it feel like ancient marble, giving a classical dignity to this powerful British politician.
Get the full experience in Art Whisper
This unglazed porcelain bust captures Lord Lyndhurst, a prominent British lawyer and politician, with a solemn and dignified expression. Created in 1824, the sculpture's stark white surface and matte finish emphasize the classical ideal of portraiture, a popular aesthetic during the early 19th century. Lord Lyndhurst is depicted in formal attire, likely a judicial robe, its folds and textures rendered with remarkable precision despite the material's inherent smoothness. The choice of unglazed porcelain, often called Parian ware, was a deliberate one, mimicking the appearance of ancient marble sculptures while being more affordable and easier to mass-produce. This piece reflects a broader trend in the decorative arts of the period, where Neoclassical tastes influenced everything from grand architecture to intimate household objects. It offers a tangible connection to the political and artistic sensibilities of Regency-era Britain.
The subtle, almost milky texture of the unglazed porcelain.
The intricate folds and drapes of Lord Lyndhurst's formal attire.
His stern, focused gaze and tightly set lips.
Stop and look at this striking bust of Lord Lyndhurst. Its unglazed porcelain surface makes it feel like ancient marble, giving a classical dignity to this pow…
Samuel Alcock & Company, a prominent British business, was renowned for its intricate ceramic designs, particularly elegant cups and tureens, in the mid-19th century.
Read Samuel's full story in Art WhisperOpen the App