About this piece
back to topAn original patinated maquette portrait of Rembrandt by the acclaimed British sculptor, John W. Mills.
Made from ciment fondu – a material of which the artist published a book detailing how to use for sculpture in 1959 (pictured) – this maquette would have been used as a model for the final bronze. The bronze of the same scale resides in the Rupert Museum, South Africa and can be viewed online here.
This freestanding, three-dimension piece is one example of the sculptor’s more abstract works. Using unique maker’s marks showcased throughout the casting, the artist creates an impression of a large portrait of the famous 15th century Dutch painter, Rembrandt (1606-1669).
This maquette is typical of his unique style, demonstrating the artist’s creative process and world-renowned talent.
John W. Mills (1933-2023)
John Mills was a highly acclaimed English sculptor, celebrated across the globe for his contemporary statues, bronze figures and artistic maquettes.
Mills showcased a flair for sculpture from a young age, first exhibiting at the Royal Academy of Arts in 1951 and then hosting his first one-man show at the AIA Gallery, London in 1959. Throughout his distinguished career, Mills went on to received several prizes and accolades and many notable commissions.
Some of his most famous works include the monumental memorial to The Woman of World War II in Whitehall, London and the National Firefighters Memorial near St. Paul’s Cathedral, London.
Following the sculptor’s passing in 2023, the contents of John W. Mill’s creative studio at his family home in Hinxworth Place, Hertfordshire were dispersed. These sculptures formed part of this curated collection, offering a rare chance to obtain original works made by the artist, including sculptural pieces for garden, interior and exhibition.
