After designs by Augustin Pajou (1730-1809) French, early 19th century

depicting Orpheus in Hades and Hercules Chaining Cerberus. In later wood frames.

Standard surface abrasions. Traces of lacquer. Golden brown patina.
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.

RELATED LITERATURE
James David Draper and Guilhem Scherf, Augustin Pajou, Royal Sculptor, 1730-1809, exh. cat., Paris and New York, 1997, pp. 164-165, fig. 100
John Harris, 'Sir William Chambers and his Parisian Album', Architectural History, vol. 6, 1963, p. 64, fig. 7

Compare the present reliefs with a gilt bronze pair sold at Sotheby's Paris, October 16, 2007, lot 150 and another pair in a private collection (Draper and Scherf, op. cit.).

Augustin Pajou created the design for these plaques as part of the new decorative program of the Hôtel de Voyer on the rue de Bons Enfants in Paris. The building, originally constructed in 1705 for Marie-Louise Madeleine Victorine le Bel de la Bussière, the comtesse d'Argenton and a mistress of Philippe d'Orleans, was restored from 1762-1770 by the French architect Charles de Wailly for one of his first patrons, the marquis de Voyer d'Argenson. De Wailly incorporated relief work by Pajou throughout the building.

The Scottish architect Sir William Chambers, a friend of the Marquis, sketched the hôtel and its decorations in 1774, including a commode mounted with gilt bronze versions of these plaques. The commode is similar in design to one by André-Charles Boulle documented in the Grand Trianon in 1774 (Harris op. cit.).