Lot 316
  • 316

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

Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 GBP
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Description

  • Arthur-Marie-Gabriel, Comte du Passage
  • Cheval à l'entraînement avec son lad (a trotting horse and groom)
  • signed: CTE du Passage
  • bronze, dark brown patina

Condition

Overall the condition of the bronze appears to be excellent with some minor wear to the patina, consistent with age.
"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

Cheval à l’entraînement avec son lad was modelled by Arthur-Marie-Gabriel, comte du Passage in 1873. It became one of his most enduring works reflecting both his mastery of sculpture and his thorough understanding of his subjects. Its popularity resulted in the model being edited in three sizes, of which this is the medium. Du Passage’s interest in the incidental and naturalistic details is again seen in the present group. The highly finished bronze brings into focus the various textures and minutiae of the scene: the sleek coat of the horse, the vertical lines of the groom’s corduroy breeches, the individual buttons on his gaiters and even the stitching on the sole of the shoe on his raised left foot. Du Passage’s bronzes are rarely marked by foundry stamps, but the quality of the casts is consistently high suggesting that perhaps the sculptor oversaw their finishing.

See also lots 305 & 321.

RELATED LITERATURE
Kjellberg, pp. 530-531; Horswell, p. 274; Payne, pp. 415-416; Lami vol. III, p. 49