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Lot Essay
The present pair of figures by Charles R. Smith were commissioned in 1838 by Sir Richard Newman, Bt., in celebration of his Baronetcy. Together withh three other pairs of figures also modelled by Smith, (Henry VII and Elizabeth of York; Henry VIII and Jane Seymour; and Elizabeth I and Sir Walter Raleigh, the latter two pairs sold in these rooms 28 October 1993, lots 179 and 180 respectively) they were positioned along the Long Gallery at Mamhead Park, Devon, built to the Tudor-Gothic designs of Anthony Salvin between 1828-1838. The Mamhead figures are regarded as the most notable works by Smith (d. 1881), who was also commissioned by Lord Lansdowne to execute figures of Michelangelo and Raphael, now at Bowood, Wiltshire.
Giles Daubeney (d. 1508), descended from the ancient Norman family of de Albini, was created 1st Baron Daubeney in 1486 and was a soldier and statesman during the reign of Henry VII. Among the many titles of office that he held were Privy Councillor, Master of the Mint (1885), Lieutenant of Calais (1486), Knight of the Garter (1487) and constable of lands in several counties. He was instrumental in the putting down of the rebellion by Perkin Warbeck (1497) and served the king on many diplomatic missions as treaty negotiator with the Hapsburgs and French.
Giles Daubeney (d. 1508), descended from the ancient Norman family of de Albini, was created 1st Baron Daubeney in 1486 and was a soldier and statesman during the reign of Henry VII. Among the many titles of office that he held were Privy Councillor, Master of the Mint (1885), Lieutenant of Calais (1486), Knight of the Garter (1487) and constable of lands in several counties. He was instrumental in the putting down of the rebellion by Perkin Warbeck (1497) and served the king on many diplomatic missions as treaty negotiator with the Hapsburgs and French.