ECL.51:1-2025
Parts
Object number
ECL.51:1-2025
Object type
Identification
Title
John Keats' death mask
Title Type
assigned by cataloguer
Description
White plaster cast painted brown
Description
Content (person)
Keats, John, 1795 - 1821 (Subject)
Dimensions
height (actual size): 275mm
width (actual size): 160mm
depth (actual size): 114mm
width (actual size): 160mm
depth (actual size): 114mm
Inscription
Incised on the throat 'KEATS'.
On right side of crown of head: 'MITH ...DO No'
Inside in white colour: 'NPG 4031'
On right side of crown of head: 'MITH ...DO No'
Inside in white colour: 'NPG 4031'
Material
plaster
Production
Person
Place
England
Date
c.1899-1905
Note
Produced by Charles Smith, between 1899 and 1905 from a surviving mold probably acquired in Paris.
History and association
Associated person
Meynell, Wilfrid, 1852 - 1948 (Former owner)
Object history note
The death mask was in the Meynell family by 1905 when it was drawn by Olivia Sowerby (1890-1975), Vivian Meynell's aunt. Vivian had it from his grandfather Wilfrid Meynell (1852-1948) who possibly purchased the mask from Charles Smith. From 1957 to 1986 the mask was on loan to the National Portrait Gallery in London. It was offered as lot 86, English Literature and History Sale, Sotheby's, 10 July 1986, lot 86 and acquired by Eton College Library.
Previous ownership
