Important Fine Victorian Marble Bust James Robert Creighton Mayor Carlisle by Léon-Joseph Chaval

Details

Description

Léon-Joseph Chavalliaud 1895 Monumental Marble Portrait Bust of James Robert Creighton

Signed London 1895 – An Imposing Anglo-French Victorian Civic … Read more Léon-Joseph Chavalliaud 1895 Monumental Marble Portrait Bust of James Robert Creighton

Signed London 1895 – An Imposing Anglo-French Victorian Civic Portrait

Highlights

* Monumental late-19th-century marble portrait sculpture
* By Léon-Joseph Chavalliaud (French, 1858–1919)
* Depicting James Robert Creighton (1844–1896), twice Mayor of Carlisle
* Signed and dated “Chavalliaud — London 1895”
* Solid white marble
* Dramatic classically conceived mantle
* Finely modelled face with drilled pupils
* Executed during the sitter’s lifetime
* Chavalliaud subsequently executed Creighton’s memorial portrait relief
* Chiswick Auctions, London, 2023
* Approximately 25.2 inches high
* Weight approximately 220 lb
* Certificate of Sale supplied

Introduction

A monumental late-19th-century white marble portrait bust of the distinguished British civic figure James Robert Creighton (1844–1896), twice Mayor of Carlisle, sculpted in London in 1895 by French sculptor Léon-Joseph Chavalliaud (1858–1919).

Signed and dated by the sculptor, the bust combines commanding scale with remarkably individual portrait modelling.

Catalogue Details

Creator: Léon-Joseph Chavalliaud
Nationality: French
Dates: 1858–1919
Sitter: James Robert Creighton
Date: 1895
Place of Execution: London, England
Period: Late 19th Century / Victorian
Material: Solid white marble
Inscription: “Chavalliaud — London 1895”

Catalogue Note

Creighton is presented with a subtle turn of the head that gives the portrait considerable psychological presence.

His deeply modelled eyes, drilled pupils, strong nose, prominent moustache and sculpted sideburns demonstrate Chavalliaud’s ability to combine individual observation with monumental portrait conventions.

A broad mantle of classical inspiration sweeps dramatically across the exposed upper chest and around the shoulders. Its substantial overlapping folds create a powerful silhouette and give the work the timeless character of academic commemorative sculpture.

Chavalliaud subsequently produced the portrait relief for the Creighton Memorial in Carlisle following the sitter’s death in 1896.

Although the exact relationship between this 1895 marble and the later memorial remains unestablished, the signed date demonstrates that Chavalliaud had already formulated a sculptural likeness of Creighton during his lifetime.

The Sitter

James Robert Creighton was a prominent Victorian businessman and civic figure associated with Carlisle.

He served for many years upon Carlisle City Council and twice occupied the office of Mayor.

Following his death, public subscription funded the Creighton Memorial.

The Artist

Léon-Joseph Chavalliaud was a French sculptor whose important British career encompassed portraiture, architectural sculpture and commemorative works.

His sculpture combines the disciplined modelling of the French academic tradition with the monumental character demanded by late-Victorian British patronage.

Provenance

Léon-Joseph Chavalliaud, London, 1895; signed and dated.

Subsequent early and mid-20th-century history presently untraced.

Chiswick Auctions, London, Interiors, Homes & Antiques, 24 January 2023, Lot 204.

Acquired from the above sale.


Curated and currently offered by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®.

Dimensions**

Height: approximately 25.2 in / 64 cm
Width: approximately 23.6 in / 60 cm
Depth: approximately 15.7 in / 40 cm
Weight: approximately 220 lb / 100 kg



Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution

The artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale & Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD®, recording the artwork’s catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated, and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record.


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