A lead figure of Diana of Versailles by John Cheere 1709 – 1787

A lead figure of Diana of Versailles by John Cheere 1709 – 1787

Circa 1760
Stock Number: 13486/GSO
Height 123.00cm [48.43 inches]
Width 45.00cm [17.72 inches]
Depth 69.00cm [27.17 inches]
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JOHN CHEERE 1709 – 1787
A lead figure of Diana of Versailles sometimes known as Diane Chasseresse.

A Roman marble first formally recorded in 1586, Diana was restored by the sculptor Barthelemy Prieur and placed in prime position in the Louvre after earlier export from Italy. Her fame spread and copies were made in bronze by Barthelemy Prieur in 1605 for Louis XIV and by Hubert Le Sueur in 1633 for Charles I.

The dynamic figure depicts the huntress Diana striding forwards, her arm reaching back to pull an arrow from the quiver on her back (a replacement). She holds a bow in her Left hand (a replacement) which would have been above a now young buck or small stag.

As with most 18th century lead statuary restorations have been required, here it is to the feet – This is common to find in period lead sculptures due to the iron core in the legs which, over time, the ingress of water has caused damage requiring conservation.

Base stone 56cm x 56cm x 10cm

References
Other Models of Diana by John Cheere can be seen:

Royal Palace Queluz - Portugal
Part of a large order of 90 statues and fountains placed and delivered from 1755 -1757

Easton Neston Park – Northamptonshire
Placed in its present position as part of a formal garden layout devised by 1st Baron Hesketh in 1930

Anglesey Abbey Cambridgeshire
Originally from Copt Hall - Essex and placed in the garden as laid out by Urban Huttleston Rogers Broughton 1st Lord Fairhaven circa 1930

Stourhead – Wiltshire
Purchased in 1744 the original position is unknown, however, it is recorded as being in the Pantheon in circa 1760