Peter Anton von Verschaffelt (1710-1793)

A Rhinoceros called ‘Miss Clara’ (1738-1758) Bronze, Model and Cast: Perhaps Mannheim, Germany, about 1770 24.5 x 46.7 x 15 cm Plinth: 4 x 33 x 7.5 cm An enterprising Dutch sea captain, Douwe Mout van der Meer (1705-?), brought a young Indian rhinoceros to the Netherlands in 1741 and then toured her extensively across … Read more

Louis-Francois Roubiliac (1702 – 1762)

Bust of Alexander Pope (1688-1744) London, about 1738 Terracotta 62.1 x 41 x 22 cm Plinth: 14.3 x 20.8 x 20.9 cm This magnificent terracotta bust was probably the life model for several other versions, including a marble dated 1738 (Leeds). Pope was the greatest poet and critic of his day, celebrated for works including the … Read more

EDGAR DEGAS (1834-1917)

Dancer ready to dance, the right foot forward Paris, Model: about 1885-90; Cast: 1919-21 Bronze 56.5 x 32.2 x 21.5 cm This figure is one of more than 30 studies made of ballerinas by Degas, his favourite subject matter. The pose suggests a ballerina in class or on the stage, and was probably inspired by dancers … Read more

The Collection

The Barber Institute contains one of the finest small collections of European art in the UK. The works have been purchased to fit Lady Barber’s criteria that everything should be of ‘that standard of quality required by the National Gallery or Wallace Collection’. Careful consideration has also been given to making sure that the works … Read more