- 34
Marius-Jean-Antonin Mercié
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 USD
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Description
- Marius-Jean-Antonin Mercié
- GLORIA VICTIS
signed A. Mercie and incribed F. Barbedienne Fondeur Paris and with the Achille Collas pastille
- bronze, mid-brown patina, raised on a red velvet lined base
- height 36 1/4 in
- 92.5 cm
Condition
Overall in good condition with the usual minor scratches, wear and discoloration to the patina consistent with age and use. Minor dents and nicks in places to surface.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
One of the most successful French sculptors of his generation, Mercié studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris and at the Académie de France in Rome. As early as 1868 he was awarded the Prix de Rome which was soon followed by numerous outstanding achievements, such as the cross of the Légion d'honneur, the Medal of Honor at the 1874 Salon for his Gloria Victis sculpture group, and the Grand Prix at the 1878 Exposition Universelle. In 1900, he became a professor at the École des Beaux-Arts and in 1913 he was made President of the Société des Artistes Français.
The Gloria Victis sculpture group was executed shortly after the Franco-Prussian War. Initially, Mercié planned the group to consist of Fame and a victorious soldier, but following France's surrender, the victorious figure was replaced with a defeated soldier. Replicas of this classic composition were used on monuments to the dead of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 in many French towns, including Niort, Deux-Sèvres, Agen, and Bordeaux.
The Gloria Victis sculpture group was executed shortly after the Franco-Prussian War. Initially, Mercié planned the group to consist of Fame and a victorious soldier, but following France's surrender, the victorious figure was replaced with a defeated soldier. Replicas of this classic composition were used on monuments to the dead of the Franco-Prussian War of 1870 in many French towns, including Niort, Deux-Sèvres, Agen, and Bordeaux.