What characterises 19th-century Neoclassical portrait busts?

Neoclassical portrait busts from the 19th century feature lifelike human proportions combined with classical Roman-inspired drapery and stylized hair. Sculptors aimed to capture individual facial characteristics while conferring a dignified, timeless quality to the subject.

What materials were traditionally used to create classical portrait busts?

These sculptures were carved from solid blocks of high-grade white marble, such as Carrara marble, using hand chisels and rasps. The finished pieces were polished to a smooth texture and typically set onto a separately carved round marble socle base.

How can you identify an authentic 19th-century marble bust?

Authentic period busts exhibit subtle hand-carving marks, natural micro-surface wear, and light oxidation in crevices. Many period examples feature inscribed sculptor signatures, dates, or subject names carved directly into the marble at the rear or base.

How do you style a classic marble bust in a modern interior?

A marble portrait bust functions as a striking focal point when set atop a dark wood sideboard, mantelpiece, or dedicated pedestal. Positioning the piece against a saturated accent wall creates architectural contrast and highlights the sculpted white marble contours.

What is the correct way to clean and care for carved marble sculptures?

Dust the marble surface regularly using a soft dry cloth or natural bristle brush. Avoid acidic or abrasive liquid cleaners, as these dissolve the surface polish; use only pH-neutral stone cleaners or distilled water applied lightly with a microfibre cloth.

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Neoclassical Marble Bust

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Large Fine Quality 19th Century Marble Bust of James Loch Mp 1839, Signed 'J Francis' (1780-1861)

Name: Large Fine Quality 19th Century Marble Bust of James Loch Mp 1839, Signed 'J Francis' (1780-1861)
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1222042
Price: 8200 GBP
Availability: InStock

19th century

For Sale by LVS Decorative Arts

Description

A large fine quality 19th century (circa 1839) marble bust of James Loch MP, signed 'J Francis' (1780-1861).

This finely sculpted marble bust of James Loch MP depicts him in the Classical style wearing a toga, with inscription to the reverse ‘JAMES LOCH MP 1839’ signed ‘J FRANCIS Sc LONDON’ supported on circular socle.

James Loch (1780-1855) was born near Edinburgh in 1780, a Scottish economist, advocate, barrister, estate commissioner and later an MP.

He started in law as an advocate in 1801, moving to the bar in England in 1806 and then working in Estate management supervising The ‘Sutherland Clearances’ where thousands of tenants were moved from inland areas to coastal districts, he entered Parliament in 1827 for the Whigs, being regularly re-elected until 1852 and later died in his house in London in 1855.

John Francis (1780-1861) was born in Lincolnshire in 1780 and began his working life as a farmer but due to his talent was encouraged by family and friends to study art so went to London in 1810 to work under Sir Francis Legatt Chantrey R.A. who was the leading sculptor in Regency Britain.

John Francis started to attract the attention of notable figures such as Thomas Coke (later The Earl of Leicester) and exhibited a bust of his patron to the Royal Academy in 1820. Coke then introduced him to various political figures and he soon became the unofficial sculptor for the Whig party.

He was a favourite of William IV and other notable figures and Royalty of the time, also sculpting busts and figures of members of the Royal family including works instructed by Queen Victoria both of herself and Prince Albert, some sculptures going to Buckingham Palace, The National Portrait Gallery, Westminster Hall, The Reform Club etc.

He regularly exhibited at the Royal Academy up until 1857, he had a large studio and many pupils, he died in 1861.

This marble bust is in very good condition for age can go straight into a home or collection – you will see on the images there is slight damage to the rear of socle, this sits at the back so is not visible from the front view and does not affect the stability of the figure.

Size:

Height: 31'' / 78.75cm

Width: 22.5'' / 57cm

Depth: 11'' / 28cm

Physical Dimensions

Height

78.8cm (31.02")

Width

57cm (22.44")

Depth

28cm (11.02")

Declaration

LVS Decorative Arts has dated this 19th Century Marble Bust to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1222042

Dealers Internal Reference

LVS1426

Dealers Notes

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LVS Decorative Arts is a small family run business based in Suffolk, specialising in an eclectic mix of fine quality and decorative antiques from around the world.

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LAPADA & CINOA member

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All furniture is professionally restored to the highest of standards, using traditional methods, we feel that quality restoration is paramount to the longevity of the piece.

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INSURED DELIVERY INCLUDED IN LIST PRICE WITHIN MAINLAND UK FOR A ONE MAN COURIER SERVICE

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Worldwide shipping available, please contact us for a free quote to include professional packing and fully insured services

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PLEASE NOTE: viewing is 'By Appointment' only - please contact Liza a few days in advance to arrange this.

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Payments are accepted by bank transfer or cheque

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Please contact us if any further high definition photographs are required or please visit our own website as follows where you can zoom in on the photos:

www.lvsdecorativearts.co.uk

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You can contact Liza either by email lvsdecorativearts@btinternet.com or telephone 07703306451

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Please bear in mind: antique items for sale may have some wear and marks commensurate with their age which adds to the character of the piece.

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Thank you for viewing our stock and please don’t hesitate to contact us if you need any further information.

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Description

A large fine quality 19th century (circa 1839) marble bust of James Loch MP, signed 'J Francis' (1780-1861).

This finely sculpted marble bust of James Loch MP depicts him in the Classical style wearing a toga, with inscription to the reverse ‘JAMES LOCH MP 1839’ signed ‘J FRANCIS Sc LONDON’ supported on circular socle.

“

James Loch (1780-1855) was born near Edinburgh in 1780, a Scottish economist, advocate, barrister, estate commissioner and later an MP.

LVS Decorative Arts

fig 1. A carved white marble portrait bust of a gentleman wearing classical drapery mounted on a circular socle base. — fig 1. Large Fine Quality 19th Century Marble Bust of James Loch Mp 1839, Signed 'J Francis' (1780-1861)

He started in law as an advocate in 1801, moving to the bar in England in 1806 and then working in Estate management supervising The ‘Sutherland Clearances’ where thousands of tenants were moved from inland areas to coastal districts, he entered Parliament in 1827 for the Whigs, being regularly re-elected until 1852 and later died in his house in London in 1855.

fig 2. A carved white marble portrait bust of a gentleman wearing classical drapery mounted on a circular socle base. — fig 2. Large Fine Quality 19th Century Marble Bust of James Loch Mp 1839, Signed 'J Francis' (1780-1861)

John Francis (1780-1861) was born in Lincolnshire in 1780 and began his working life as a farmer but due to his talent was encouraged by family and friends to study art so went to London in 1810 to work under Sir Francis Legatt Chantrey R.A. who was the leading sculptor in Regency Britain.

fig 3. A carved white marble portrait bust of a gentleman wearing classical drapery mounted on a circular socle base. — fig 3. Large Fine Quality 19th Century Marble Bust of James Loch Mp 1839, Signed 'J Francis' (1780-1861)

John Francis started to attract the attention of notable figures such as Thomas Coke (later The Earl of Leicester) and exhibited a bust of his patron to the Royal Academy in 1820. Coke then introduced him to various political figures and he soon became the unofficial sculptor for the Whig party.

fig 4. A carved white marble portrait bust of a gentleman wearing classical drapery mounted on a circular socle base. — fig 4. Large Fine Quality 19th Century Marble Bust of James Loch Mp 1839, Signed 'J Francis' (1780-1861)

He was a favourite of William IV and other notable figures and Royalty of the time, also sculpting busts and figures of members of the Royal family including works instructed by Queen Victoria both of herself and Prince Albert, some sculptures going to Buckingham Palace, The National Portrait Gallery, Westminster Hall, The Reform Club etc.

fig 5. A carved white marble portrait bust of a gentleman wearing classical drapery mounted on a circular socle base. — fig 5. Large Fine Quality 19th Century Marble Bust of James Loch Mp 1839, Signed 'J Francis' (1780-1861)

He regularly exhibited at the Royal Academy up until 1857, he had a large studio and many pupils, he died in 1861.

This marble bust is in very good condition for age can go straight into a home or collection – you will see on the images there is slight damage to the rear of socle, this sits at the back so is not visible from the front view and does not affect the stability of the figure.

Size:

Height: 31'' / 78.75cm

Width: 22.5'' / 57cm

Depth: 11'' / 28cm