Catherine Andras (1775–1860) was an English sculptor best known for her wax models. She was active as an artist until 1855 and died in London in 1860.[1]

Catherine Andras
Born1775 (1775)
Bristol, United Kingdom
Died1860 (aged 84–85)
NationalityBritish
Known forSculpture, Wax modeller
AwardsRoyal Society of Arts, Greater Silver Pallet (1801)

Life

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Andras was born in Bristol and started creating wax models while working in a toy shop. Orphaned at an early age, she was later adopted by miniature painter, Robert Bowyer, and his wife in 1799. She moved to London and worked at the Historical Gallery, 87 Pall Mall, before moving to Great Titchfield Street. She later returned to Pall Mall.[2]

Wax modelling work

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Andras exhibited in London at the Royal Academy of Arts from 1799 to 1824.[3] In 1802 was appointed Modeller in Wax to Queen Charlotte.[4] She was awarded 'The Larger Silver Pallet' by the Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce for her model of Princess Charlotte and a portrait of Lord Nelson.[5][1] After Lord Nelson's death, with crowds of people visiting St. Paul's cathedral to visit his tomb, Westminster Abbey commissioned Andras to create a wax effigy for the church in an attempt to attract the crowds.[6][7]

Works by Andras are also displayed in the British Museum,[8] the National Gallery of Ireland[4] and the Metropolitan Museum of Art.[9]

Selected artworks

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Rose Bruce (1728-1806), Widow of Revd Samuel Bruce (1799) in the National Gallery of Ireland[10]

George III (1738–1820), King of England (1760–1820) in The Glenn Tilley Morse Collection, Bequest of Glenn Tilley Morse, 1950, Metropolitan Museum of Art[9]

References

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  1. ^ a b Clifford, Naomi (18 February 2018). "Catherine Andras, model-maker to royalty". Naomi Clifford. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
  2. ^ Lowell Libson Ltd British Art, New York Annual Exhibition, British Art: Recent Acquisitions at Stellan Holm, 1018 Madison Avenue. 2016. pp. 54–55. ISBN 978-0-9929096-1-1.
  3. ^ "Andras, Catherine". Grove Art Online. 2003. doi:10.1093/gao/9781884446054.article.T002726. Retrieved 5 November 2019.
  4. ^ a b "Catherine Andras". National Gallery of Ireland. Retrieved 8 March 2018.
  5. ^ "Lord Nelson | Andras, Catherine (maker)". Victoria and Albert Museum. Retrieved 24 May 2022.
  6. ^ "Portrait of Admiral, Lord Nelson (1758-1805) - Catherine Andras (1775-1860)". Historical Portraits - Image Library. Philip Mould Ltd. Retrieved 2 April 2019.
  7. ^ "New Collaboration to Reveal Secrets of Nelson and Pitt Effigies". Westminster Abbey. May 2017. Archived from the original on 17 October 2017. Retrieved 3 May 2017.
  8. ^ Horn, Tammy (2011). Beeconomy: What Women and Bees Can Teach Us about Local Trade and the Global Market. Lexington: University Press of Kentucky. ISBN 978-0-8131-3436-9.
  9. ^ a b "George III (1738–1820), King of England (1760–1820)". The MET. Retrieved 8 March 2018.
  10. ^ "Through a Lens tour: Costumes in Art (Room 47)". National Gallery of Ireland. Retrieved 23 May 2022.
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