Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux

Overall the condition of the bronze is very good with some minor wear to the patina 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."

Like Carpeaux, the painter Bruno Chérier (1819-1880) was born in Valenciennes. They were life-long friends and Carpeaux stayed with Chérer when he was gravely ill in 1874. During the visit the two artists made portraits of each other in their respective media. Whilst Carpeaux's bust was rapturously received at the Salon of 1875, Chérier's portrait of Carpeaux was refused. Carpeaux was incensed by the rejection of his friend's work and in a letter to the painter wrote: 'Refused! Is it credible, is it possible? Never have I seen such an injustice.'

Carpeaux's bust of Chérier was chosen as the cover image of the well-known catalogue De Carpeaux à Matisse for the 1982 exhibition. The bronze Salon exhibit is in the collection of the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Valenciennes and the original plaster is at the Musée d'Orsay, Paris. Bronze casts of this model are very rare.

RELATED LITERATURE
A. Pingeot et al. De Carpeaux à Matisse, Musée des Beaux-Arts de Calais, 1982, no. 46, pp. 128-9