English Carved Mahogany Bust, second half 18th century, with finely carved and incised facial hair and features, mounted on a metal pole on a bronze base, bust, h. 9-3/4", w. 5", d. 6", overall, h. 19". Provenance: The Flatt Collection.

Bust exhibits a few very old repairs - a 2" x 2" wood paste (shellac and sawdust?) filler to the left rear of neck and head, and a small patch of filler is present to the right rear base of the neck. Many of the repairs to the back of the bust are present along the tree trunk roots which were left intact for aesthetic purposes at the base of the neck. Small traces of filler are also present on the nose (with corresponding tiny losses), mouth line, chin and cravat. There is a 2" x 1" loss to right top rear of head due to old insect damage. Shrinkage cracks are scattered throughout, most are hairline, but two are not - one on the forehead, and one to the right rear side of the head. Condition is consistent with age and utilitarian use. Bust is structurally sound with excellent patina and carved details intact.