- 146
Mathurin Moreau French, 1822-1912
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Mathurin Moreau
- A pair of standing allegorical figures of reading and writing
The boy entitled: ECRITURE PAR MATH. MOREAU, inscribed FONDU PAR LA VAL D'OSNE - PARIS and with a pastille FONTES D'ART ET BRONZE 58 Bd VOLTAIRE VAL D'OSNE
The girl entitled LECTURE PAR MATH. MOREAU, inscribed FONDU PAR LA VAL D'OSNE - PARIS and with a pastille FONTES D'ART ET BRONZE 58 Bd VOLTAIRE VAL D'OSNEbronze, green-brown patina
Condition
There is overall wear to the patina consistent with having been displayed outside. There are several areas of green discolouration, notably in around the girl's neck and forehead, and on the lower half, and on the boy's clothes. There are various scratches and abrasions. otherwise the condition is good.
"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
The Val d'Osne foundry was formed in 1833 by Jean-Paul Victor André. After petitioining King Louis Philippe for authorization, he received a royal French edict on the 5th of April 1836 to open a shop in the val d'Osne. André began with one furnace and a few employees who cast utilitarian objects such as pipes and covers to a three furnance factory with 220 ironmasters. The success of the foundry was largely due to the relationships he established with sculptors as well as his experimentation with mettulurgy and casting methods. The foundry had a particularily close relationship with Mathurin Moreau who not only provided many models for reproduction in bronze, but became of the administrators of the business. After André's death the foundry was run by his wife but eventually sold to Gustave Barbezat (circa 1849). By 1892 the foundry had merged with J.J. Ducell and boasted the largest collection of moulds in the world.
The present bronzes were likely cast during André's command of the foundry.
The present bronzes were likely cast during André's command of the foundry.