A rare solid gold miniature bust of Sir Winston Churchill, by Oscar Nemon, retailed by Asprey & Co., London, circa 1960.
An intimate and highly refined image of Churchill, rendered in one of the most exclusive formats produced.
Modeled with bowed head and a deeply introspective expression, the present bust reflects Nemon’s mature understanding of his subject. Appointed Churchill’s principal sculptor in 1951, Nemon was granted exceptional access to the sitter, resulting in what is widely considered the most psychologically accurate sculptural record of Churchill’s later life.
The features are handled with characteristic sensitivity: the heavy-lidded gaze, compressed mouth, and weight of the brow conveying not rhetoric, but reflection. Unlike monumental representations, this reduced format emphasizes interiority—Churchill not as a public figure, but as a private presence.
Retailed by Asprey of Bond Street, the work belongs to a small group of finely produced miniature busts intended for a discerning clientele. While examples in silver are known, those in solid gold were produced in extremely limited numbers, likely as presentation pieces, and are exceptionally rare.
The gold surface lends both warmth and immediacy to the modeling, while the substantial malachite plinth—richly veined and traditionally associated with diplomatic and luxury objects—provides a striking visual and material contrast.
Objects of this caliber, uniting artist, sitter, and retailer at the highest level, are seldom encountered.
DETAILS
Solid gold miniature bust of Winston S. Churchill, signed “NEMON,” mounted on a banded malachite plinth.
Stamped for Asprey & Co., Bond Street, London.
Height: 3.75 inches.
Very fine condition with strong surface definition and presentation.
A rare solid gold miniature bust of Sir Winston Churchill, by Oscar Nemon, retailed by Asprey & Co., London, circa 1960.
An intimate and highly refined image of Churchill, rendered in one of the most exclusive formats produced.
Modeled with bowed head and a deeply introspective expression, the present bust reflects Nemon’s mature understanding of his subject. Appointed Churchill’s principal sculptor in 1951, Nemon was granted exceptional access to the sitter, resulting in what is widely considered the most psychologically accurate sculptural record of Churchill’s later life.
The features are handled with characteristic sensitivity: the heavy-lidded gaze, compressed mouth, and weight of the brow conveying not rhetoric, but reflection. Unlike monumental representations, this reduced format emphasizes interiority—Churchill not as a public figure, but as a private presence.
Retailed by Asprey of Bond Street, the work belongs to a small group of finely produced miniature busts intended for a discerning clientele. While examples in silver are known, those in solid gold were produced in extremely limited numbers, likely as presentation pieces, and are exceptionally rare.
The gold surface lends both warmth and immediacy to the modeling, while the substantial malachite plinth—richly veined and traditionally associated with diplomatic and luxury objects—provides a striking visual and material contrast.
Objects of this caliber, uniting artist, sitter, and retailer at the highest level, are seldom encountered.
DETAILS
Solid gold miniature bust of Winston S. Churchill, signed “NEMON,” mounted on a banded malachite plinth.
Stamped for Asprey & Co., Bond Street, London.
Height: 3.75 inches.
Very fine condition with strong surface definition and presentation.
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