Beschreibung:

John Baird (1834-1894) (attributed) Bust of a native, circa 1880 Carved kerosene shale portrait bust, 62 cm high. History: John Baird (1834-1894) was a Scottish immigrant who worked as a postman in Sydney in the latter part of the 19th century, pursuing sculpting as a pastime. Little is known of how he came to take up this hobby, with the exception of an article published in the Illustrated Sydney News, 15th June 1886, which attributes the development of his interest in statuary to an early carving in the likeness of his son, who died at the age of seven. Kerosene shale, or cannel coal, was Baird's chosen medium, largely due to its ready availability, suitability for carving and low cost. Baird's later subjects were to include members of parliament, royalty and other dignitaries. Several examples of his smaller works, particularly portrait medallions and figurines, have come to light in recent years. However, few examples of Baird's portrait busts are known outside of public collections. A bust depicting Baird's wife, Jane Baird, is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Australia. Reference: K. Scarlett, Australian Sculptors, Nelson, Melbourne 1980, p. 27; Anne Gray (ed), Australian art in the National Gallery of Australia, National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, 2002. Note: for further examples of John Baird's work, see Leonard Joel, European and Australian Decorative Arts and Fine Furniture, 23rd November 2009, lot 91; and Bonham's & Goodman, Australian & International Fine Art, 23 April 2008, lot 11.