French, early 18th century After a model by Antoine Coysevox (1640-1720)

Overall the bronze is in very good condition. There is some minor wear and dirt consistent with age. In the crevices there is some minor dryness and greening. There are two original repairs visible at the proper left upper leg and a joint is visible at the back of the proper left ankle. The drapery at the back shows some minor nicks to the bronze. There are a few minor casting flaws in the crevices and at the base near Venus' proper left foot .
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Few bronze reductions of Coysevox' Crouching Venus approach the original marble as closely as the present bronze. Particularly the elaborate twisting and curling of the hair as it falls into Venus' right hand is seldom so well developed as here. Another striking difference with other small bronze versions is the indication of the tiled terrasse as deployed in the Louvre marble (no. MR 1826). These features of Coysevox' model were also translated into a full-size bronze by the Vinache foundry for the Château de Marly in 1688-9. A similarly well-cast reduction, acquired in Paris by Baron Raymond Leplat in 1716, is in the Dresdener Skulpturensammlung (no. H4 155/40).

RELATED LITERATURE
K. Zock, European Sculpture, exh. cat. Daniel Katz Ltd, London, 2002, pp. 116-21, no. 19; F. Souchal, French Sculptors of the 17th and 18th centuries. The reign of Louis XIV, 4 vols., Oxford/ London, 1977-1993, vol. I, pp. 191-3, no. 37 and vol. IV, pp. 54-5, no. 37; The French Bronze. 1500 to 1800, exh. cat. M. Knoedler & Co., New York, 1968, no. 27A