Did you know that Queen Victoria survived eight assasination attempts during her reign?
And if that wasn’t enough, being versed in five languages, a monarch at only 18, and having proposed to her own husband is sure to ruffle the feathers of any ‘Rennaisance’ man of her time.
Robert Physick (1815–1880), Marble shoulder bust of Queen Victoria. Estimated at £400 – £800
And if you know the world of antiques like we do, you know her likeness appears in the antiques trade more than any wannabe A-list celebrity today. Her Late Majesty and her husband Albert took the Victorian world by storm, modernising the world at a speed only the 19th-century power couple could. Ultimately, they curated a groundbreaking project together, boldly monikered ‘The Great Exhibition’ of 1851.
The project spearheaded Britain as the crowning jewel of innovation, engineering, and progress in the industrial world. The works of The Great Exhibition are revered as some of the greatest national showcases ever dared to have been created.
The Interior of the Great Exhibition, 1851 (credit: Antique Box Guide)
So, when the time came for a Royal portrait, it was no surprise that Robert Physick became the man of the hour! Born in London to sculptor father Edward William Physick (c.1774–1862), Robert was nurtured into the tradition of familial apprenticeship from an early age.
It wasn’t long before he was accepted into the Royal Academy for formal training in 1837, the very same year our young Queen took her place as the new British Monarch. We could say it is a coincidence, but what came of the two events is nothing short of a miracle in marble.
Whilst we cannot confirm any definitive record of this bust in the official catalog of The Great Exhibition, we can say this. The only known example of this bust is held in the London’s National Portrait Gallery NPG 5164, and it is a wonder that another version has come to light today. A true rarity fit for pride of place in any British Royal collection or Museum.
It is an honour for us at Potteries Auctions to sell this image of Her Late Majesty in the most joyous and celebrated year of her reign. We hope our dedicated collectors share this pride in one of our most celebrated monarchs too.
This bust is lot 75 embarking the first day of Potteries Auctions’ 2025 March Fine Art Catalogue. And to think this is only the start of our 1565 lots coming up on Friday and Saturday. Here are a few other lots we’re keeping our eyes on…