Arthur-Marie-Gabriel, Comte du Passage French, 1838-1909

There is general wear to the patina consistent with age. Otherwise the condition is very 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."

Arthur-Marie-Gabriel, Comte du Passage developed a fascination for horses at an early age and went on to make them the central theme of his oeuvre. He initially pursued a military career in accordance with his family's wishes, but took time out of his duties to study sculpture with two of the foremost animalier sculptors of his day - Antoine-Louis Barye and Pierre-Jules Mêne. Du Passage belonged to a group of 19^th Century aristocratic sculptors who turned their own hand to the medium they so admired. Another such was Geoffrey, Comte de Ruille who also concentrated on animal subjects.

In 1865 du Passage exhibited for the first time at the Salon with a wax model of a dying Roe-deer and left the army a short while later having achieved the rank of Second Lieutenant. He was involved in an accident at this time, which left him partially paralysed and confined to a wheelchair. Fortunately he was able to continue with sculpture and spent most of his days drawing and modelling in the stables of his family home - Chateau de Bernaville, at Frohen. Although his oeuvre was select he had considerable success and edited some of his models in several sizes.

Du Passage's work is distinctive for its naturalistic incidental details. The round hat and turned-up trousers of the groom, as well as the accoutrements of the horse reflect his familiarity with the turf. Du Passage's enthusiasm for his equine subjects is manifest in his bronzes and it has ensured their enduring appeal to those who share his passion.

See also lots 316 & 321.

RELATED LITERATURE
Payne, pp. 415-416; Lami vol. III, p. 49; Kjellberg, pp. 530-531