- 58
Gaetano Merchi 1747 - 1823 Buste représentant Mademoiselle Guimard
Estimate
3,000 - 5,000 EUR
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Description
- Gaetano Merchi
- Buste représentant Mademoiselle Guimard
- signé et daté Merchi 1779
- terre cuite
- Haut. totale 68 cm
- Total height 26 3/4 in
Literature
REFERENCES BIBLIOGRAPHIQUES
"Un sculpteur oublié, Gaétan Merchi", dans La Gazette des Beaux-Arts, Paris, 1898, p. 265-280.
Cat. exp. Marie-Antoinette, Archiduchesse, Dauphine et Reine, Château de Versailles, 16 mai - 2 novembre 1955, p. 113, n° 315
L. Réau, "Le Vénitien Gaetano Merchi, sculpteur du Corps de Ballet de l'Opéra de Paris au XVIIIe siècle", dans Jean Alazard, Souvenirs et Mélanges, Paris, 1963
"Un sculpteur oublié, Gaétan Merchi", dans La Gazette des Beaux-Arts, Paris, 1898, p. 265-280.
Cat. exp. Marie-Antoinette, Archiduchesse, Dauphine et Reine, Château de Versailles, 16 mai - 2 novembre 1955, p. 113, n° 315
L. Réau, "Le Vénitien Gaetano Merchi, sculpteur du Corps de Ballet de l'Opéra de Paris au XVIIIe siècle", dans Jean Alazard, Souvenirs et Mélanges, Paris, 1963
Condition
Good condition overall with fine hairline firing cracks at several places, especially one fine horizontal firing crack to the back side of the bust.
The nosetip slightly retouched.
A few minor chips and repairs to the flowers in her hair.
The base is made of tinted plaster and has been reattached with one repair to the underside of the bust, where it has been attached.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Né à Brescia, Gaetano Merchi quitte l'Italie pour s'installer à Paris en 1773 où il réalise plusieurs bustes de danseuses de l'Opéra. Marie-Madeleine Guimard (1743-1816) est une des danseuses les plus célèbres de son temps. Son portrait par Fragonard (1732-1806) est conservé au musée du Louvre (inv. no. RF.1974.1) et elle fut l'objet d'un ouvrage des Goncourt en 1893.
Deux versions en terre cuite de ce buste figurent dans la collection du musée des Arts décoratifs et une version a été présentée en vente chez Christie's Londres le 29 juin 1972, lot n° 21.