Laurence Sterne (1713–1768) 1766

Joseph Nollekens created this marble bust of Laurence Sterne in England in the late 18th century. Sterne was a famous writer and Anglican clergyman whose novels were known for their sentimentalism and exploration of human nature. Looking at this piece we might consider how portrait busts were regarded in this period, in which sculpture was seen as a high art form. The bust was frequently used as a way of representing people of status and power. So what does it mean to portray a novelist in this way? Nollekens’ sculpture elevates Sterne to the status of a great man. It is a means of recognising his cultural importance. As historians, we might look at how this work reflects shifts in social and cultural values during the 18th century. The rise of the novel as a literary form, the cult of celebrity, and the increasing importance of the individual are all ideas that can help us understand the bust’s significance. We can consult contemporary sources such as letters, journals, and critical reviews to shed light on the bust’s cultural impact.