Lot 147: Chauncey Ives Marble Portrait Bust of a Young Boy

Chauncey Bradley Ives (Connecticut/Rome – 1810-1894) carved a marble portrait bust depicting a young boy in a nautical-style shirt, raised on a round cocle base. Inscribed en verso pedestal C. B. IVES FECIT.ROMAE. 21 1/4 in. H x 15 in. W x 7 3/4 in. D. Biography: Chauncey Ives was born on a family farm near New Haven, Connecticut. His early talent for art prompted his father to apprentice him to a local wood carver. By 1837, Ives had a studio in Boston and was enjoying moderate success. In 1844, seeking a more moderate climate for his ongoing health problems, he settled in Florence, Italy, where Horatio Greenough and Lorenzo Bartolini were prominent. He completed a work called Boy and Dove in 1847 that brought him positive attention and prompted him to undertake a series of marble pieces with children as subjects. In 1851 Ives settled permanently in Rome, although his work was popular in the US and he made many return trips. However, in the latter half of the 19th century, Ives’ popularity declined, along with that other Neoclassical sculptors. Source: Matthew Baigell, Dictionary of American Art. 

PROVENANCE: The collection of Mr. and Mrs. David Allen, Springfield, Tennessee.

CONDITION: Chips to the top section of the socle base (not conspicuous). Rear tips of the subject’s collar with old losses.