Jean-Léon Gérôme

G. Ackerman, Jean-Léon Gérôme, Paris, 2000, S. 40 BRONZE 3

Overall the condition of the bronze is excellent with some minor wear to the patina consistent with age, including some wear to the gilt areas.
"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."

Christ Entering Jersusalem was created in 1897, in the same year as Gérôme's painting of the Entry into Jerusalem. The sculptural Christ on his donkey appears to the left of the canvas and is greeted at the city gates by St Mary Magdalen, both arms raised, a palm branch in her hand – a composition which was also worked in three dimensions by Gérôme.

The late religious subjects of Gérôme stand in marked contrast to the more sensuous Orientalist nudes for which he was best known. However, the painter-sculptor employs the same careful attention to detail and finish. Gérôme's collaboration with the Siot-Decauville foundry allowed him to explore his painter's fascination with colouration and surface. The present cast displays the foundry's brilliant multi-patina handling of Gérôme's concept. The precious surface and jewel-like quality of the small groups made them highly-sought after by collectors, and the present model is particularly rare.

RELATED LITERATURE
G. Ackerman, The Life and Work of Jean-Léon Gérôme, Paris, 1986, pp. 110-112, 280 and 322-323, cat. S. 40 B2