Laurence Sterne

Maker Joseph Nollekens (British, 1737 - 1823)

Additional Title(s)

Marble Bust of Laurence Sterne

ClassificationsSCULPTURE

Dateafter 1766

Mediummarble

Dimensions17 x 12 in. (43.2 x 30.5 cm.)

DescriptionThis bust portrays the Anglo-Irish novelist and Anglican cleric Laurence Sterne.

Credit LineThe Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Botanical Gardens

Status

On view

Label TextThe artist sculpted this subject—author of the celebrated novel "Tristam Shandy"—when Stern visited him on a trip to Rome. Nollekens has emphasized the author's intellect and erudition by displaying him with a bare chest—in the style of an ancient Roman bust—and by rendering his facial expression as one of thoughtful concentration. The initial bust (now in the National Portrait Gallery, London) was so popular that Nollekens created replicas, such as this example.

Object number24.36

Terms