A GROUP OF FOUR CARVED MARBLE BUSTS ON PEDESTALS ALLEGORICAL OF THE FOUR SEASONS Continental, late 19th/early 20th century

In fair condition, but showing the expected traces of weather damage to surface. As visible in the catalogue illustration, there are traces of green moss to figures. All pedestals with chips to edges throughout and extensive losses to garlands, also visible in the catalogue illustration in figures of Spring and Autumn. There is a large loss to the bottom corner of one pedestal. Each group is composed of three pieces: the bust and the pedestal (in two parts.) The condition of this lot would demand that it be installed in an outdoor setting.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The four carved busts of the present lot are derived from the group of four figures by Pierre I Legros, originally placed in the Parterre de l'Orangerie at Versailles.  It is also interesting to compare the bust representative of winter with François Girardon's (1628-1715) sculpture of the same subject, also at Versailles. Girardon's Four Seasons were based on sketches by Le Brun and were part of the 'Grande Commande' of 1674.  The seventeenth-century sculptures were rendered in full length, and, as in the present lot, Winter was personified as an old man draped in a cloak.