Bronze Portrait Plaques of Dr. Godfrey and Phoebe Howitt

Thomas Woolner (1825-1892), important pair of bronze portrait…
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Thomas Woolner (1825-1892), important pair of bronze portrait plaques of Dr Godfrey Howitt and Phoebe Howitt of Melbourne, circa 1853. Both signed 'T. Woolner, Sc. 1853'. Housed in original circular timber frames. The plaques approximately 23 cm diameter, 27 cm each overall. Together with a book on Thomas Woolner 'Thomas Woolner R.A. His life in Letters' and a book on Pre-Raphaelite Art titled 'Dante Gabriel Rossetti', where Woolner is referred to on pages 17 and 31. Provenance: by direct family descent. Dr. Godfrey Howitt renowned early Melbourne public identity who emigrated to Melbourne in 1840. Howitt formed a close relationship with Woolner who also did a plaque of Mrs Howitt & other Melbourne dignitaries including Governor Latrobe.

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  • Circa - A Latin term meaning 'about', often used in the antique trade to give an approximate date for the piece, usually considered to be five years on either side of the circa year. Thus, circa 1900 means the piece was made about 1900, probably between 1895 and 1905. The expression is sometimes abbreviated to c.1900.
  • Bronze - An alloy of copper and tin, traditionally in the proportions of about 9 parts of copper to 1 part of tin.

    The discovery of bronze in Western Asia in the 4th century enabled people to create metal objects which were superior to those previoulsy possible because of its strength and hardness, and it has been used throughout the world for weapons, coins, tools, statuary and other decorative items.

    It is very fluid in a molten state, and its hardness, strength when set, and non-corrosive properties makes it most suitable for casting sculpture.

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