A REGENCY MARBLE BUST OF SIR FRANCIS CHANTREY

Sir Francis Chantrey (1781-1841) was a sculptor and portrait-painter. His father was a carpenter and the young Chantrey began his career as a wood-carver's apprentice. He later attended lessons at the Royal Academy where, in 1810, he exhibited a portrait bust of William Pitt. His reputation as a sculptor grew significantly in 1811 when he was commissioned by the City of London to produce a statue of George III. He became a full member of the Royal Academy in 1818.