P. P. Caproni & Bros. Plaster Bust of Washington Irving, After Robert Ball Hughes, No. 5422

Full Description

Exceptional large-scale plaster reproduction of Washington Irving (1783–1859), creator of Rip Van Winkle and Ichabod Crane in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow as well as influential works on George Washington and Christopher Columbus, after the celebrated 1836 bust by American sculptor Robert Ball Hughes (1806–1868). Produced by P. P. Caproni & Bros., Boston, U.S., one of America's most important manufacturers of plaster reproductions for art schools, museums, libraries, and educational institutions. The bust is identified as Caproni No. 5422 and measures approximately 24 inches high, 15 inches wide, and 12 inches deep, weighing approximately 23 pounds. The Caproni catalog describes this model as "Washington Irving, by Ball Hughes" and notes that it was "the only bust of Irving made from life.” The catalog lists the model at two feet in height, corresponding exactly to the height of this piece. Particularly noteworthy are the molded inscriptions on the shoulders, which read "Ball Hughes. Sculptor. Boston. Taken from life.” and “This is the only bust which Washington Irving sat for.” The reverse bears the original brass P. P. Caproni & Bros. Boston, U.S. manufacturer's plaque. The Caproni Washington Irving model is documented in the firm's 1894 catalog, establishing that this reproduction was being offered by Caproni by the mid-1890s. An archived Purdue photograph dated 1896 shows this particular bust on display, potentially establishing the individual example as a 19th-century cast. The bust retains an aged, historically appropriate painted surface with extensive wear, losses, abrasions, and areas of exposed underlying plaster consistent with its age and educational/institutional use. The interior is hollow and the underside/reverse displays the characteristic construction of a large plaster reproduction. No attempt has been made to conceal or cosmetically restore the historic surface. A compelling example of late-19th-century American plaster reproduction and art-educational history, with a direct connection to one of America's most important literary figures. Measurements: 24"H × 15"W × 12"D Weight: Approximately 23 lbs. Maker: P. P. Caproni & Bros., Boston, U.S. Model: No. 5422 Subject: Washington Irving After: Robert Ball Hughes, 1836 Medium: Plaster Condition: Aged original surface with extensive paint loss, abrasions, chips, and surface wear; see photographs for condition details. **Please note:** This is a historical plaster reproduction, not the original 1836 sculpture by Robert Ball Hughes. It is being offered as a P. P. Caproni & Bros. reproduction of the Hughes bust.