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94
John Henry Foley RA RHA (1818-1874)
STATUES OF OLIVER GOLDSMITH & EDMUND BURKE (A PAIR)
base metal electroplated in copper with bronze patina; (2)
each inscribed ‘Elkington & Co. Founders / J.H. Foley R.A. London’ at base
19 by 8 by 6in. (48.26 by 20.32 by 15.24cm)
Dimensions of bases: 6.5 by 6.5ins.
The full size bronzes of these figures were erected outside the front gates of Trinity College Dublin in 1863
and 1868 respectively. The original plaster models for each are in the Birmingham City Art Gallery.
Foley was one of the most eminent sculptors of the Victorian era. Strickland considered him ‘at his best,
superior to any of his contemporaries’ (Dictionary of Irish Artists, Vol. I, page 359). Born in Dublin, Foley
entered the RDS Drawing Schools at an early age, winning numerous prizes and medals in modelling, before
going to London to further his career at the RA School. From the 1840s onwards he won numerous presti-
gious commissions, not least of which was the central figure of the Prince Consort for the Albert Memorial in
Kensington Gardens, and the O’Connell Monument in Sackville Street (now O’Connell Street), Dublin. His
statues of Burke and Goldsmith are likewise ranked among his most important works.
€3,000-€5,000 (£2,360-£3,940 approx.)
Large Image & Place Bid Lot 94