The Canada 150 Auction

June 27, 2017

LOT 551

Lot 551

Hamilton Thomas Carlton Plantagenet MacCarthy (1846–1939)

Hamilton Thomas Carlton Plantagenet MacCarthy (1846–1939)
Lot 551 Details
Hamilton Thomas Carlton Plantagenet MacCarthy (1846–1939)

PAIR OF BUSTS: SIR ISAAC BROCK AND CHIEF TECUMSEH

each terra cotta with white slip, incised signature verso and dated 1896
height 15.5" — 39.4 cm.

Estimate $3,000-$4,000

Realised: $6,000
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Note:

Considered a war that reinforced both Canadian nationalism and American patriotism, the war of 1812 laid the foundation for the future of North American relations. Initially sparked by the bitter and isolating trade embargos imposed on the United States by both Britain and France; a series of further trade sanctions, British maltreatment of American naval soldiers, and increased First Nations resistance to frontier settlement aggravated and emboldened the United States to declare war against Great Britain in 1812. Beginning their offensive in Upper Canada, the United States entered the war decidedly unprepared for the strength of British resistance.

British Major General, Sir Isaac Brock, a shrewd military strategist, had been reinforcing fortifications and militia and gaining alliances with the First Nation populations for the previous five years in anticipation of a conflict between the newly independent neighbour to the south.

The narrative of friendship between Brock and the charismatic yet fearsome Shawnee chief Tecumseh, leader of the First Nations Confederacy, seen in the pair of busts crafted by the renowned sculptor Hamilton McCarthy, has been a tenet of early Canadian history. Despite their partnership, Tecumseh’s singular priority was to unite all First Nations in order to preserve the land and culture of his people; allying with the British “red coats” gave strength and numbers to his cause. With Tecumseh’s death, the fire that drove indigenous resistance to encroaching American settlement went out, and Tecumseh’s dream of a united confederacy dissolved.

CONDITION DETAILS

Very minor losses, including one tooth from Tecumseh’s necklace.

LOT 551
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About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.