A Gentleman

(Thomas Woolner)

The sitter for this medallion is unknown. The relief is an interesting development of Woolner’s smaller medallion work and may be compared with his slightly earlier marble relief depicting the scientist, Professor John Tyndall (exh. RA 1876, no. 1490; Royal Institution of Great Britain). The present relief, in its original oak frame, is typically detailed in the treatment of the hair, but shows a slight softening in the sideburns which is characteristic of Woolner’s later style.

Joanna Barnes Fine Arts, London