Jean-Léon Gérôme

Sale: Sotheby's New York, October 23, 1990, lot 56, illustrated
Private Collection, New York

Gerald Ackerman, Jean-Léon Gérôme, Monographie révisée. Catalogue raisonné mis à jour, Paris, 2000, p. 382-383, S 9
Jean-Léon Gérôme (1824-1904), L'Histoire en spectacle, exh. cat., Musée d'Orsay, Paris, 2010, p. 326-328, nos. 192 - 193.

Overall in good original condition, but with extensive dirt to crevices, especially to the base and Corinthian capital. It is difficult to judge the damage to the gilding, which is under the areas of dirt. However, although there are no dirt patches on the body of Corinthe, one can see tarnishing to gilding and wear in places. The turquoise and ruby jewels are still present to the arm bangles, and the cabochon to the necklace is an undetermined stone which has two tiny chips to the edge. The crown's flowerhead is bent backwards and, to the proper right knee, one can see 9 blackened circular dots. Behind the crown one can see areas of green oxidation. The left earring is lacking.
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 present gilt bronze model, cast by the renowned Parisian foundry Siot, is directly drawn from what is undoubtedly the most iconic sculpture of Jean-Léon Gérôme’s oeuvre. The original plaster model was created in 1903-4, and was certainly the last sculpture made before his death (sold, Sotheby's Paris, June 25, 2008, lot 38, now held by the Musée d’Orsay). Although the polychrome and wax plaster model can be viewed as a finished work itself, it was nonetheless a model for a larger marble version meant to be presented at the 1904 Paris Salon as number 2922 and described as follows: "une femme nue couverte de veritable bijoux est assise sur le chapiteau d’une colonne corinthienne en marbre vert”.

Gerald Ackerman recorded no more than six bronze casts in either gold or silver finish. They all were cast by Siot and measure 70 cm in height. One of the six was in the collection of Geraldine Rockefeller Dodge, and sold in these rooms February 20, 1976.