Thomas de Grey, 6th Baron Walsingham (1843-1919) politician, entomologist & sportsman

Sir Joseph Edgar Boehm (1834 - 1890)

Terracotta statuette

Share this:

License this image

Image of Thomas de Grey, 6th Baron Walsingham (1843-1919) politician, entomologist & sportsman
  • About the work
    Location
    Country: UK
    City: London
    Place: Foreign. Commonwealth & Development Office, Carlton Gardens

    Although Thomas de Grey, sixth Baron Walsingham (1843-1919) bears a striking resemblance to the sitter, as yet no evidence has been found to suggest that Edgar Boehm ever sculpted his portrait. Walsingham was a politician, entomologist and sportsman and lived for a time at No.1 Carlton Gardens, where this work was discovered. When found, the nose of the sculpture was missing. It has been reconstructed during conservation, so undoubtedly the appearance of the sitter is now somewhat altered. In 1883, Boehm sculpted a marble statue of Charles Darwin seated in an identical chair to that seen in this statuette. This work is clearly not Darwin, but may have been made at a similar date.

  • About the artist
    Joseph Edgar Boehm was born in Vienna; the son of a medallist, engraver and director of the imperial mint. He attended Leigh’s Art Academy, London (1848-51), before returning to Vienna to study medal design and modelling. From 1859 he lived in Paris. In 1862 he moved to London, eventually settling at The Avenue, Fulham Road, where studio assistants included Gilbert and Drury. His works are mostly marble busts, but he also produced church monuments and equestrian statuettes. He received over 40 royal commissions, taught Princess Louise, was the Queen’s Sculptor-in-Ordinary from 1880 and was made a baronet in 1889. He became a Royal Academician in 1881. Boehm died aged 56. Princess Louise’s presence at his death provoked considerable gossip.
  • Explore
    People
    Thomas de, 6th Baron Walsingham Grey (1843 - 1919)
    Places
    Subjects
    book, sport, male portrait, entomology, moustache, man, 19th century costume, frock coat, trousers, Baron, Member of Parliament, armchair
    Materials & Techniques
    terracotta, statuette, terracotta statuette
  • Details
    Artist
    Sir Joseph Edgar Boehm (1834 - 1890)
    Title
    Thomas de Grey, 6th Baron Walsingham (1843-1919) politician, entomologist & sportsman
    Date
    Medium
    Terracotta statuette
    Dimensions
    height: 62.00 cm, width: 46.00 cm
    Acquisition
    Origin uncertain
    Inscription
    Sbr
    GAC number
    17040