Lord Lyndhurst by Samuel Alcock & Company

Lord Lyndhurst

Samuel Alcock & Company · 1824

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“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.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

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.

DETAILS
Artist
Samuel Alcock & Company
Date
1824
Medium
Unglazed porcelain (Parian ware)
Location
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Dimensions
Height: 14 1/4 in. (36.2 cm)
Collection
European Sculpture and Decorative Arts
Culture
British, Staffordshire
Credit line
Rogers Fund, 1915
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What to Notice

Five details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Lord Lyndhurst
01

The subtle, almost milky texture of the unglazed porcelain.

02

The intricate folds and drapes of Lord Lyndhurst's formal attire.

03

His stern, focused gaze and tightly set lips.

04

The finely sculpted curls of his hair, framing his face.

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THE ARTIST

Samuel Alcock & Company

Samuel Alcock & Company, a prominent British business, was renowned for its intricate ceramic designs, particularly elegant cups and tureens, in the mid-19th century.

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