Lot 89
  • 89

Alfred Gilbert

Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
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Description

  • Alfred Gilbert
  • Perseus arming
  • with a cachet monogrammed: AG on the underside
  • bronze, dark brown patina

Provenance

William Vivien, United Kingdom, circa 1900;
and thence by family descent;
Sotheby's London, 4 June 1998, lot 129

Condition

Overall the condition of the bronze is good with some dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age with some rubbing to areas of the patina. There are some small spats of light pigment on the surface. There are a few minor nicks to the lower edge of the base. The figure was cast in sections; a joint is slightly visible at the proper right shoulder.
"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

Perseus Arming is Gilbert's highly personal reinterpretation of Cellini's Perseus with the head of Medusa and Donatello's David which he encountered in Florence. Perseus' design was completed around 1880 and Gilbert exhibited it two years later at the Grosvenor Gallery in London. Perseus Arming received great critical acclaim in England during that time and it earned Gilbert an honourable mention at the 1883 Paris Salon. The cachet with the initials on the present cast is part of a series of cachets that Gilbert introduced to be able to recognise authorised casts.

William Vivian was amongst the foremost of Gilbert's contemporary collectors, possessing elaborate versions of seminal models such as the St. George and salvaged statuary, which included the four saints from the Clarence Tomb.

RELATED LITERATURE
R. Dorment (ed.), Alfred Gilbert. Sculptor and goldsmith, exh. cat. Royal Academy of Arts, London, 1986, pp. 106-108, 118 and 164-166