Emmanuel Frémiet

C. Chevillot, Emmanuel Fremiet La main et le multiple, ex. cat. Musée des Beaux Arts de Dijon, 1988, nos. S130

Overall in good original condition with the usual wear to the patina in places especially to the top of head, arms and legs consistent with handling and touching. Light scratches and dents consistent with age. As stated in the cataloging the foundry mark is faint and the to the left hand side of the foundry mark one can notice a dent to the bronze with a light green over-paint color.
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 Susse cast is of an important Fremiet model. While Chevillot does not date these Susse casts, she note that it was neither cast by Fremiet himself, nor More, nor Barbedienne. The original model was exhibited at the 1850 Salon and subsequently destroyed in the New York Crystal Palace fire three years later. Terracotta casts are known (Romantics to Rodin, p. 279, no. 147) and a plain bronze case was sold in Sotheby's New York as lot 15 on June 9, 1995, and at Sotheby's London, April 19, 2000, lot 174.

Ours et Rétiaire is an example of Fremiet's exploration of the theme of man's relationship to wild animals which touched on Darwinian concepts of the descent of man. These ideas were developed in later key works such as Gorille enlevant une negresse, Capture d'un jeune éléphant and Orang-outang et Sauvage de Borneo andDénicheur d'oursons. Here the subject has been given a degree of respectability by identifying the expiring manas a gladiator of retiarius.