William Behnes, English, 1795-1864, a white marble portrait bust of a gentleman, dated 1844, inscribed to the reverse BEHNES SC 1844, on a waisted marble socle, 78cm high Note: William Behnes found fame at a young age. He first exhibited at the R.A. in 1815 and quickly accumulated a following with many commissions. The Art Journal, referring to a bust of Clarkson, wrote that they had 'never seen anything finer in modern or ancient art'. While H. Weekes was inclined to rate him as the superior of Chantrey in the field of portrait sculpture. Sadly Behnes, in middle age, fell into financial difficulties and died a pauper. Please refer to department for condition report