- 71
Louis-Ernest Barrias
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description
- 'La Nature se dévoilant devant la science': A rare silver figure
silver signed 'E. Barrias', with Susse Frères foundry inscription and maker's mark and French hallmark
- silver, ivory, marble
- 43cm.;
- 1ft 5in.
silver, ivory, lapis lazuli, marble base
Literature
Peter Fusco and H. W. Janson eds., The Romantics to Rodin, exhibition catalogue, Los Angeles, 1980, p. 118
Pierre Kjellberg, Bronzes of the 19th Century, 1994, p. 50
Condition
A desirable model and rare in silver. Minor old marks and scratches and with some pitting in places. The silver has been lacquered to prevent oxidisation. Standard of the silver not tested. Small area of her cloak held in her left hand is oxidised. Some cracks to the ivory, which can partially be seen in the illustration, including one to her left arm, c.4.5cm long. Crack running across her chest has been filled. Ready for display.
Prospective purchasers are reminded that this object contains ivory which may be subject to export and import restrictions. For example, it is illegal to import elephant ivory under 100 years old into the United States. Your attention is drawn to the Endangered Species section in the Guide for Prospective Buyers on page 92 of the printed catalogue. This is also available through the Conditions of Business link on the 'Events Detail' page to this auction or upon request to the department.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Barrias executed 'Nature revealing herself before Science' in several versions, usually cast in bronze, but to find an example in silver is rare. An earlier version, a nude, was exhibited in marble at the Salon of 1893 in Bordeaux.