Jonathan Owen

HEINRICH MAXIMILIAN IMHOF (1795/98-1869), A MARBLE PORTRAIT BUST, POSSIBLY LUDWIG I, KING OF BAVARIA DATED 1828 Signed H IMHOF FEC ROMAE MDCCCXXVIII approximately 63cm high Heinrich Imhof was one of many sculptors who set up a studio in Rome in the early to mid-19th century to craft work for the wealthy visiting Grand Tourists. Few examples of his work have appeared at auction with only several larger mythological or Christian figural sculptures known. Examples of his portrait busts have appeared but unlike other artists he didn't inscribe the socle or reverse with the sitter's details and the people he portrayed are mostly unknown as with this example. From the high raised hairline and moustache, it is possible that the subject is probably Austrian, German, or Swiss. Ludwig I (King of Bavaria) seems to have shared certain facial similarities and employed the artist at exactly this time. Condition Report: With wear, marks, knocks and scratches as per age, handling, use, and cleaning. Stone with natural inclusions scattered throughout and mostly visible as smaller dark spots, including but not limited to forehead and sternum. Small rubbing and wear to surface, notable to front of hair, true left eyebrow, true right side of moustache and to margins of the whole. The nose with slight vertical flaws. Slight diagonal natural stone flaw visible throughout top back of head. Small scuffs and scratches notably to back of neck. Probably previously formally mortared to a different base and with losses notably to reverse of stem from detachment with that base. Current base a good match but slight size and position variance. Inside of his true right shoulder with scored hatching but also with what may be partially inscribed initials - "LG"? 'E.M' or 'E.W'?? - small symbol above second letter? Please see additional images for visual references to condition which form part of this condition report. All lots are available for inspection and Condition Reports are available on request. However, all lots are of an age and type which means that they may not be in perfect condition and should be viewed by prospective bidders; please refer to Condition 6 of the Conditions of Business for Buyers. This is particularly true for garden related items. All lots are offered for sale "as viewed" and subject to the applicable Conditions of Business for Buyer's condition, which are set out in the sale catalogue and are available on request. Condition Report Disclaimer