Death mask
Category
Household and miscellaneous
Date
Unknown
Materials
Plaster of paris
Measurements
190 mm (Width) x 130 mm (Depth); 290 mm (Length)
Order this imageCollection
Osterley Park and House, London
NT 772186.1
Summary
Plaster death mask of Alexander I of Russia, 1777-1825. The death mask rests on a velvet covered base and is protected by a brass-bound glass cover.
Provenance
This cast was from the Duke of Wellington at Petersfield in 1826. Victor Perceval, curator at Apsley House 'I'm afraid I cannot help beyond the fact that the 1st Duke was in Petersbury in 1826, where he apeared to have collected the death mask of Alexander I, having died the year before. The letter to Lady Jersey was, of course, from the 2nd Duke and clearly given to her because of her friendship with Alexander I.' The first Duke was in fact with Tzar Alexander I at the time of his death, see.....
Marks and inscriptions
Under the mask a letter was found, as follows - London, July 6 1858, My dear Lady Jersey, I send you a cast from the face of your old friend Alexander of Russia, after death. Yours faithfully, Wellington.