Benjamin Robert Haydon

Benjamin Robert Haydon

A rare life mask of the renowned Romantic poet John Keats, cast by the artist Benjamin Robert Haydon in the early nineteenth century. This distinguished collectible sculpture exemplifies the neoclassical fascination with physiognomy and portraiture, offering a tangible connection to Britain’s literary past.

Origin: England Date: Circa 1816 Material: Plaster, mounted on a wooden base

Dimensions: Height: 22 cm (8.6 in)
Width: 16 cm (6.3 in)
Depth: 17 cm (6.7 in)

Condition: Excellent condition with a well-preserved patina; minor, unobtrusive restorations.

This historically significant piece is firmly rooted in Regency-era Britain, a period marked by intellectual curiosity and refined artistry. Sculptures of this nature were often produced for close friends or admirers, imbuing them with exceptional provenance and sentimental value. An example of this very Keats life mask is conserved at the esteemed National Portrait Gallery, London (NPG 686), underscoring its cultural and collecting significance.

Notable Features:

• Superb character detailing in the facial cast, capturing Keats’s delicate features with remarkable fidelity
• Mounted on a sturdy, sympathetic wooden base, facilitating stable display
• Classic neoclassical lines that highlight the period’s preference for natural forms and direct representation
• Rare in both form and origin; such life masks were given solely to Keats’s intimate circle, marking it as a highly desirable collectible sculpture

The craftsmanship of this life mask is especially noteworthy, with Haydon’s careful casting process conveying both technical mastery and a personal reverence for his subject. The design’s simplicity echoes neoclassical restraint while the gentle contours celebrate the poetic sensibility of Keats himself. Collectors will appreciate the rarity and provenance of this piece, particularly given its connection to both a luminary of English poetry and a prominent artist of the Regency.

An ideal addition to both literary and fine art collections, this piece would grace any study, gallery, or library with its quiet gravitas. The sculpture is not only an engaging display object but also a direct link to the enduring legacy of John Keats, making it a centrepiece for conversation and scholarly appreciation alike.