Thomas Sir Redmond Barry 1856 {1881} SLV [SC]

Thomas, Margaret (1843-1929; English)
Sir Redmond Barry 1856
Plaster medallion, 48.0 x 42.0 cm (including frame)
Purchased, 1881
State Library of Victoria (H39356)

Barry is shown here, aged 43, in neoclassical profile style. Compare later sculptures made during his lifetime: Summers (Charles) Sir Redmond Barry 1860 {1860} SLV [SC] and Woolner Sir Redmond Barry 1878 {1881} NGV [SC].

Thomas trained initially as a sculptor with Charles Summers. This relief, apparently produced when she was only about 13 years old, clearly demonstrates her precocious talent.

Refs.

AR 1881, p.53 (under “Casts”); SB, p.151 (Medallions); NGV 1894, p.128 (V.Buvelot Gallery, south wall, no.17); NGV 1905, p.153 (V.Buvelot Gallery, south wall, no.22) [£3/3]