Pierre-Jean (called David d'Angers) David
Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann
model 1835, cast 1837
David’s works encapsulate the preoccupations of his age. He planned a portrait gallery of great men: Hahnemann (1755–1843) had invented homeopathy. The artist looked to ancient sculpture for inspiration, but also to phrenology – the belief that character and ability are expressed in the shape of the skull. He did not idealize his subject’s features, but retained – even exaggerated – the particular, imbuing his subjects with heroic individuality.
– 1999
Private collection, Paris, France [1]
1999 – 2000/05/11
W.M. Brady & Co. Inc., New York, USA [2]
2000/05/11 –
National Gallery of Canada, purchased from W.M. Brady & Co. [3]
[1] This information was provided by the New York art dealer W.M. Brady [letter by Laura Bennett of W.M. Brady & Co. to Michael Pantazzi, NGC Curator for European Art, dated April 27, 2000, Accession records, NGC curatorial file].
[2] In early 2009 the bust was exhibited at W.M. Brady & Co., New York [“19th Century paintings and Sculpture. Recent Acquisitions.” W.M. Brady & Co., New York, January 26 – Febuary 25, 2000] and shortly thereafter acquired by the NGC [acquisition form, NGC curatorial file].
[3] See note [2].
Title
Christian Friedrich Samuel Hahnemann
Date
model 1835, cast 1837
Medium
Sculpture
Materials
painted plasterDimensions
76.8 x 40.3 x 39.8 cm
Nationality
French
Credit line
Purchased 2000
Accession number
40357