Jean-Joseph Vinache (1696-1754), French, first half 18th century

Christie's London, 15 May 1984, lot 76;
Daniel Katz Ltd., London

There is some minor wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. Both figures have several restorations, particularly around the feet and both bases and the back, right arm and fingers of the Apollo statuette. There are several stable, minor firing fissures visible on the surface consistent with material. Diana has losses to the ends of her crescent moon diadem.
"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."

The present pair can be convincingly attributed to Vinache on the basis of a monogrammed variation of the Apollo now in the Louvre (inv. no. RF3082). A seemingly unpublished bronze version of Apollo is in the Grünes Gewolbe, Dresden, where Vinache served as the court sculptor to Kurfürst August I.

RELATED LITERATURE
J.R. Gaborit (ed.), Sculpture Française II - Renaissance et temps modernes, cat. Musée du Louvre, Paris, vol. II, p. 610, no. RF3082