Alfred Boucher

Overall the condition of the bronze is good with minor wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are a few small, original plugs including to the front man's proper left arm. There are a few slightly visible original joints including to the mens' abdomens. There are a few areas of very minor restoration to the patina at the rear man's proper left arm and leg. There are a few areas of wear to the patina including to the edges of the base.
"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."

Alfred Boucher's Au But is one of his most renowned and celebrated models. It was featured as the cover image of the 2000 exhibition at the Musée Paul Dubois- Alfred Boucher, in Nogent-sur-Seine. It depicts three athletes in the last fraught moment of a race, each balanced on one leg as they stretch a hand forwards in the desperate frenzy to be the first over the finishing line. Boucher captured the physical likeness of the athletes by having his explorer friend Gabriel Bonvalot posing for him as he modelled each energetic figure.

The accomplishment of the sculpture lies in the rendering of the athletes’ precarious balance on the base and their powerful dynamism. Boucher exhibited the plaster model for the first time at the Salon of 1886. It proved an instant success with critics and public alike. Boucher was extolled for the technical virtuosity apparent in the modelling of three such carefully balanced men in motion; the sculpture won him a first class medal.

Further affirming the success of the model, the State commissioned a monumental bronze version of the group to be placed in the Jardins du Luxembourg. This cast was exhibited at the Salon in 1887 and subsequently erected in the gardens. It remained there until its sad destruction during the Occupation. However, its impact lives on in reductions of the life-size bronze, catering for the immense public demand for the model. Editions in three sizes were cast by the Siot-Decauville foundry.

RELATED LITERATURE
J. Piette, Alfred Boucher 1850-1934 "sculpteur – humaniste", exh. cat. Musée Paul Dubois – Alfred Boucher, Nogent-sur-Seine, 2000, pp. 46, no. 39a