COPY OF A MARBLE OF THOMAS COKE, 1^st EARL OF LEICESTER (1697-1759)

Chantrey's marble copy of the original by Louis Francoise Roubilliac (1705-1762) shows Thomas Coke in 18th century dress with the Star of the Order of the Bath.

The renowned collection of classical antiquities and the building of Holkham was the achievement of a truly singular individual, Thomas Coke, later 1^st Earl of Leicester.  Coke was one of the very few Englishmen in the first half of the 18^th century to manifest an active and sustained enthusiasm for classical works of art.  The works of Roubilliac and indeed Chantrey are legendary for their classical perfection, and this bust, together with that of Coke's wife, demonstrates their great artistic ability.

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