Verhulst Statuary
On a recent garden visit here in Scotland, I was shown three rather robust putti, approximately one metre in height which would appear to be copies or casts in artificial stone. Their bases bear the clear imprint “R:VERHULST.A.I”. One of the figures has snakes coiled at his feet, the second appears to be holding a censer suspended on a chain, while the third clutches a book and a cornucopia and is backed by a collection of navigational instruments including an astrolabe, cross-staff and dividers. The three figures formed part of a sculptural scheme in a Scottish villa garden, laid out in the 1830s. I should be interested to know whether any members have come across similar sculptures, or other works bearing the same name or imprint. Also, what is the significance of the suffix A.I. after the name ? Any suggestions would be welcome.
This post was submitted by dingwall.
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R:Verhulst would be Rombout Verhulst, the famous Flemish/Dutch 17th century sculptor, more about whom can befound in Wikipedia. In the photo section and in Wikimedia Commons you will find material to compare this find with. As for the suffix A.I. I am not sure about its meaning
I would think – but don’t know for sure – that it would mean Verhulst was a member of one of the Art Institutes of the time.
I know of no other work of his extant in Britain. Most of his renowned tomb work is in Amsterdam where he lived for 22 years before moving to Leiden and then The Hague where he lies buried.