Jean-Auguste Barre

Overall the condition of the marble is very good. There is some slight weathering to the surface and the marble has had a professional cleaning and polishing. There maybe some restoration to the moustache. There is some grey veining visible consistent with material.
"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."

Jean-Auguste Barre's political agility allowed him to be an official sculptor to the changing faces of France's leadership throughout the upheaval of the mid-nineteenth century. He received commissions from Louis Philippe, the government of the Second Republic and in the present example, Napoleon III. Napoleon III seems to have granted Barre special favour as the artist created eleven busts of the emperor between 1852 and 1865. Whilst other versions show Napoleon III in formal regalia, the present bust shows the emperor bare-chested in a reference to imperial portraits of Roman antiquity.

RELATED LITERATURE
Romantics to Rodin, pp. 111-114, no. 5