Adam's THE LIBRARY COLLECTION 26th April 2022

129 www.adams.ie 177 Boulle centre table € 0 - 0 177 C HRISTOPHER MOORE RHA (1790 - 1863) Marble bust of William Plunket, 1st Baron Plunket, Lord Chan- cellor of Ireland Signed and dated ‘C. Moore Sc. 1843’ With polished granite plinth, 64cm high, 37cm wide (Plinth 118cm high, 50cm wide, 38cm deep) Provenance: The Plunket Family, By descent from Archbishop Plunket, Originally in St. Anne’s, Clontarf Though born in Dublin, Christopher Moore spent most of his working life in Britain, emigrating there in 1820 at the age of thirty and setting up a permanent residence initially in Totten- ham Court Road in London, before moving to Howland Street. He exhibited regularly with the Royal Academy between 1821 and 1861. He was renown d for his portrait busts creating numerous sculptures of eminent 19th century political, religious and so- cial figures as well as contemporary poets and artists. His skill can be seen in the expressive likeness and confident modelling of his subjects. In this present example, the bust is set within highly expressive folds of drapery which give a sense of importance and strength to the figure. This reflected the prominent legacy of William Plunket, who had twice served as Lord Chancellor of Ireland. A dedicated supporter of Catholic emancipation he was ap- pointed as Attorney General in 1822 and worked successfully alongside Daniel O’Connell to secure it. When this work was produced, Plunket would have been nearly eighty years of age. Moore manages to capture the more subtle and softer features of old age, in the mouth, the skin around the eyes and the slightly furrowed brow. Another example of this work in plaster is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland. Moore frequently visited Ireland, staying in Dublin and he con- tributed many works to the RHA annual exhibition becoming a member in 1846. He returned to Ireland before his two years before his death in 1863, he is buried in Glasnevin Cemetery. € 6,000 – 8,000 The Library Collection | 26 th April 2022