The Shepherd Boy, after Bertel Thorvaldsen (1770-1844), a 19th century terracotta statue of a shepherd boy seated on a sheep skin, with losses, 4ft 3in (1.3m), is estimated at £500-800 in Spicers’ May 27 auction in Goole, East Yorkshire. Estimate £500-800 at Spicers

Thorvaldsen was a Danish sculptor and medalist of international fame, who spent most of his life (from 1797-1838) in Italy. The original marble statue of this composition was carved between 1822-25 and is displayed at the Thorvaldsen’s Museum, Copenhagen, inventory A895.

This version ended up at Knedlington Manor, East Yorkshire, which was built by Thomas Clarke in 1841-42. It consisted of 33 rooms and was designed by Weightman and Hadfield of Sheffield in the Tudor style with formal grounds. On Clarke’s death it was sold to a Mr Mortimer who later sold the estate to the Earl of Yarborough and it then passed to his daughter, Lady Diana Miller. Knedlington Manor was finally demolished in the 1950s.

The statue was in the gardens at this time and given to the vendor’s grandparents who lived in the housekeeper’s cottage.