A sculpture with an estimated value of $3 millionwhich was used for years as door stop on an industrial site in Scotlandis expected to be sold, subject to court approval. The sculpture, the “Bouchardon Bust“, was created at the beginning of the 18th century by the French sculptor Edmé Bouchardon and depicts John Gordon, an important figure and founder of the town of Invergordon.
Originally, in 1930, it was purchased by Invergordon Town Council for its local exhibition, but was ultimately never displayed and was found in 1998 to be used to hold a door open. In 2016, the bust was loaned to the Louvre Museum and in 2017 to the Getty Museum in Los Angeles, generating great interest in collectors’ circles.
In the latest development, a private collector has offered over £2.5 million to purchase the work, with a commitment to fund the creation of an exact replica for the local community. The City Council has launched a public consultation, and after the court’s approval, it is expected to decide whether the work will be designated a “national treasure” – a fact that could limit its export abroad, according to the Waverley criteria.
The discovery of this sculpture and the current process of selling it shed light on the history and significance of the work for local and national heritage.
Source: CNN
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How does the proposed sale and replica arrangement address the ethical considerations surrounding the bust’s historical and artistic significance, and its local context?
**Host**: Joining us today is Dr. Emily Carter, an art historian specializing in 18th-century European sculpture. Dr. Carter, this Bouchardon bust of Sir John Gordon, found propping open a door in Scotland, is now potentially worth millions. What are your thoughts on this surprising discovery?
**Dr. Carter**: It’s truly remarkable. This bust, relegated to such a mundane purpose, turns out to be a significant work by a renowned artist. It raises fascinating questions about how we value art, and the hidden treasures that might be overlooked in unexpected places.
**Host**: Precisely. Now, a private collector has offered to buy it for over £2.5 million, with a promise to fund a replica for the town. That sounds like a win-win, doesn’t it?
**Dr. Carter**: It seems like a generous offer, but does a replica truly capture the essence of the original? Should a piece with such historical and artistic significance be removed from its local context, even if a copy remains? That’s a complex ethical dilemma.
**Host**: Intriguing points, Dr. Carter. What about the notion of designating it a “national treasure”? Do you think that’s the right move?
**Dr. Carter**: That brings up important considerations about national ownership versus private ownership of art. Should a masterpiece, even one with local ties, be subject to restrictions on its sale or export? This case is sure to spark debate on the balance between artistic freedom and cultural preservation.
**Host**: Dr. Carter, fascinating insights. Thank you for joining us today and shedding light on this compelling story.
