Édouard Marcel Sandoz

Dr. Walter Weibel, Ascona, Switzerland
Private Collection, Switzerland, circa 1970
Thence by descent to the present owner

La Renaissance de l'Art Français, July 1924, p. 399 (for the model in patinated bronze)
Mobilier & Décoration, April 1927, p. 125  (for the model in patinated bronze)

Overall very good original condition. There is a stable hairline crack to the proper left ear of the sculpture, which was repaired in the 1960s. The crack extends around the entire ear of the sculpture. The crack presently shows darker in color, likely from surface dirt and possibly discoloration of the glue used to execute the repair. A professional restorer can minimize the appearance of this restoration. This work has been sensitively cared for over the years and the present condition of the sculpture is a testament to that care. The coloration of the marble is highly saturated with rich tones to the veining throughout. The colors of the marble are overall more saturated with gentler nuance to the veining than they appear in the catalogue illustration. With a few very small and minor edge chips to the base consistent with age and gentle handling. The rich carmel tones in particular are more predominant to the reverse of the sculpture and display a vibrant color. This work with superb presence when viewed in person. The softness in the color of the marble renders the work more naturalistic in relation to other rendering of the subject by Sandoz in different mediums.
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.

Trained as a sculptor under Jean-Albert Injalbert and Marius-Jean-Antonin Mercie at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts, Édouard Marcel Sandoz sculpted from life, first focusing on the human form and later animals.  In the 1920s his works displayed both a technical mastery as well as the introduction of further stylized representations.  The present subject, a seated cat, is one that Sandoz explored in multiple mediums, including patinated bronze, earthenware and black marble.  The present lot, according to Felix Marchilhac, is the only variant of the subject in flaxen marble.  As a result of the light color palette, this sculpture portrays a far greater naturalistic appearance in comparison to other renderings of the subject.

The present lot was acquired by the family of the current owner from Dr. Walter Weibel, a journalist and editor at Neue Zürcher Zeitung in Switzerland.