Truth and Falsehood: M.1A-1953

Current Location: In storage

Titles

Truth and Falsehood

Maker(s)

Entities

Figure

Description

Bronze cast of one of the sketch models for the Wellington Monument in St Paul's Cathedral, London. Truth, with one foot pressed against the breast of Falsehood, is pulling out his endless tongue. His mask has been pushed up to reveal a brute's face, and his body ends in a coiling fishy tail. Black patina. On the side of the plinth is inscribed 'Alfred Stevens.No.1.'

Notes

History note: Sir Edmund Davis (brother-in-law to the testator); Mrs Constance Rea

Legal notes

Bequeathed by Mrs Constance Rea

Measurements and weight

Height: 23.0 in

Place(s) associated

London ⪼ England

Acquisition and important dates

Method of acquisition: Bequeathed (1953) by Rea, Constance

Dating

19th Century, Late-20th Century, Early#
After 1877 CE - Before 1914 CE

Note

This bronze and its pendant, 'Valour and Cowardice' (M.1B-1953), were cast from a pair of plaster models purchased by the financier and art patron Edmund Davis in 1877 at the posthumous sale of Stevens' studio contents. Davis had them cast (date unknown) and later gave them to his sister-in-law, Mrs Constance Rea. The lifetime plaster models from which Davis had these bronzes cast are most likely those which he gave to Manchester City Art Gallery in 1914 (1914.60 - 'Valour and Cowardice' and 1914.61 - 'Truth and Falsehood').