Charles-Henri-Joseph Cordier

Cordier's London sale, May 8th 1861, no. 38;
Purchased by J. Walker for £55.13

Galerie anthropologique et ethnographique, Paris, July 1860;
The Gallery, 121 Pall Mall, London, February 1861

A. Andréï, 'Galerie anthropologique et ethnographique de M. Cordier', L'Art au dix-neuvième siècle, vol. V, 1860, p. 189; Vicomtesse de Renneville, La Gazette rose, 1860; M. Trapadoux, L'Oeuvre de M. Cordier, Paris, 1860, pp. 21-2; J Durand-Révillon 'Un promoteur de la sculpture polychrome sous le second Empire' in Bulletin de la Société de l'histoire de l'art français, 1984, pp. 181-98; L. Margerie & E. Papet, Facing the Other: Charles Cordier 1827-1905, ex. cat. Dahesh Musuem of Art, New York, 2004, no. 454, pp. 201-202

Overall the condition is excellent and ready to install. There are a few very minor inclusions to the surface consistent with the material. There is a naturally occurring vein in the stone visible at the drapery on the proper left arm. There is a reattached section to the socle.
"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."

This collosal bust of Romaine du Trastévère displays all the magnificence and luxuriant attention to detail which made Cordier one of the most sought-after artists of the Second Empire.

The sculptor visited Rome and Naples en route to his Greek mission in 1858. His short stay in Italy resulted in only three known ethnographic studies, the present model and his Belle Gallinara - Jeune fille des environs de Rome and Napolitaine des Abruzzes. Cordier exhibited his Romaine in his 1860 and 1861 exhibitions as part of his selection of 55 ethnographic portraits from Europe, Africa and the Far East. Following the exhibition in London, Cordier entrusted the auctioneer Foster to mount a public sale of the works. The present marble was purchased alongside its pendant colossal Femme greque de Missolonghi by J L Walker. It was published in the 2004 catalogue Facing the Other as location unknown. De Margerie and Papet also illustrate a plaster version with drapery rather than lace at the décolletage. In addition they list another marble version.