Antique Bronze Figurine Sculpture of President George Washington After Chantrey

This is a wonderful and rare, nineteenth century bronze depicting George Washington in classical attire, after the original full-size sculpture in marble by Sir Fancis Chantrey (English, 1781-1841), completed in 1826 and installed in Doric Hall of the Massachusetts State House on Boston.  Chantrey was one of the leading portrait sculptors of his generation. This particular work, introduced roughly half a century since America's independence from the British monarchy, was met with great criticism for depicting Washington in classical toga in noble stance.  In response, it was announced the work actually depicted Washington wrapped in blanket, rallying his troops at Valley Forge. Height: 13 in; 33 cm.  It was a warm, worn patina, consistent with age. Apparently unmarked. Foundry is unknown. We have never seen another Washington bronze after Chantrey offered for sale in our 15 years in business, and seen only one other figurine from the same model, offered by Christie's in New York on January 19, 2017, in lot 119 of sale 14533, including items from Palmetto Hall of the Jay P. Altmayer family collection. That sculpture was cast in silver in Hanau, Germany, circa 1890, and mounted on basalt socle and verde antico marble plinth, and was offered with an estimate of $5,000-$8,000.