WHYTE'S IRISH & INTERNATIONAL ART 2 December 2019

IRISH & INTERNATIONAL ART ·2 DECEMBER 2019 AT 6PM 165 1858: Thomas Moore statue unveiled by Earl of Carlisle, who takes the opportunity to recommend that a statue of Oliver Goldsmith go up outside Trinity. Within a year, Foley had the commission. And when the time came for him to launch Goldsmith, he seized the opportunity to propose a statue of Burke to ac- company him! 1858: Thomas Moore statue unveiled by Earl of Carlisle, who takes the opportunity to recommend that a statue of Oliver Goldsmith go up outside Trinity. Within a year, Foley had the commission. And when the time came for him to launch Goldsmith, he seized the opportunity to propose a statue of Burke to ac- company him! 1859: ‘Statute to Oliver Goldsmith. -The proposal the Earl of Carlisle to erect a statue to the memory of Ol- iver Goldsmith, Dublin, has met with a hearty response, and sufficient funds have now been subscribed to authorise the committee to give the commission for the work to Mr Foley, R.A. It is an essential part of the proposal of the Earl of Carlisle that the statue to be erected should be on such a site as would serve to connect the memory of the poet in a particular manner with the university in which he received his edu- cation, while at the same time it should be open to the view of the inhabitants of Dublin. The site which has been selected perfectly fulfils these requirements. It is within the wall in front of the college, and is within view of the public.’ (Western Daily Press, 13 December 1859, p. 4) 1. Foley’s statuette of Goldsmith was exhibited in the Alderman’s Court of the Mansion House, London, for the Lord Mayor’s Banquet in November 1860. London Daily News, 9 November 1860, p.2. Foley’s ‘beautiful statue’ of Goldsmith was also placed in a niche of the new hall at the Mudie’s Circulating Library on New Oxford Street in London in December 1860. London Evening Standard, 18 December 1860, p.3. 2. ‘The Goldsmith Statue. - It may be interesting to state, that in one of the museum rooms of the Acade- my is placed the model approved by the committee for the statue of Oliver Goldsmith. The model, which is by Mr. Foley, an Irishman, represents the poet standing in easy and graceful attitude, with an open book, supported by his left hand, whilst in his right, which is placed by his side, is a pencil. The statue, which is to be about seven feet in height, is to occupy a pedestal in front of Trinity College, within the railings opposite College-green. It is understood that the committee want about 400/. to complete the amount which the statue will cost.’The Evening Freeman, 13 November 1860, p.1. 3. Dublin Evening Mail - Wednesday 23 January 1861, p. 4. 4. Irish Times - Thursday 25 July 1861, p. 2. 5. Of its appearance at the International Exhibition, or Great London Exposition, the Morning Post of 27 June 1861 observed, ‘Among the smaller works we may mention as specially deserving of notice the bronze of “Oliver Goldsmith” by Foley to be erected in Dublin’. ‘In obedience to his Excellency’s command, the green drapery that concealed the statue was withdrawn, and the figure was displayed on its handsome pedestal, and in all its artistic beauty, amid enthusiastic applause. The pose of the figure, the elegance of outline, and the dignity of expression so wonderfully expressed in the statue, whether viewed in its entirety or criticised in detail, commanded the admiration of all. The most fastidious taste failed discover a blemish.’ [Nottingham Journal - Friday 08 January 1864, p. 3] €6,000-€8,000 (£5,170-£6,900 approx.) Click Here for Large Images & To Bid Lot 141