Isidore-Jules Bonheur

Overall the condition of the bronze is excellent. There is some minor wear and dirt 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."

Although best-known for his celebrated racing groups, such as his Grand Jockey, Bonheur cemented his reputation early in his career with a comission for two stone lions for the central staircase of the Palais de Justice, Paris. The commission had originally been given to Barye, but was withdrawn from him in Bonheur's favour. Bonheur was paid 9000 francs by the Prefecture of the Seine for the lions. Bonheur produced a number of other models of lions but they were not cast in large edition and so appear very rarely on the market. The present bronze is a very handsome cast. It is possible that the model may be identified with a lion exhibited in plaster by the artist at the Salon of 1876.

RELATED LITERATURE
S. Lami, Dictionnaire des sculpteurs de l'école française, Paris, 1914, vol. 1, p. 129