Auguste Rodin

Jos Hessel, Paris
Thence by descent to the previous owner

Rainer Maria Rilke, Rodin, Verlag zu Leipzig, 1913, no. 29, illustration of another cast
Georges Grappe, Catalogue du Musée Rodin, Paris, 1927, no. 206, illustration of the plaster p. 79
John L. Tancock, The Sculpture of Auguste Rodin, Philadelphia, 1976, no. 41, illustration of the plaster p. 271

Work is in very good condition. Dark black patina. Minor surface dirt. Very minor nicks and scratches.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The present work is also known under the title of Jupiter Taureau, Faune et Nymphe and Après Midi d'un faune. It was produced by the artist in the 1880s and was inspired by Ovid's Metamorphoses. As John Tancock suggests "Minotaur points to Rodin's continued enthusiasm for the art of the eighteenth century [...]. It may be for this reason that it was one of the most widely admired by early connoisseurs" (John L. Tancock, op. cit., p. 272). This success explains why Minotaure was cast in an edition of at least 30 bronzes by the founders Griffoul, Perzinka, François Rudier, Alexis Rudier and Georges Rudier, first at Rodin's request, then under the supervision of the Musée Rodin.