Aimé-Jules Dalou

Raymond Poincaré (1860-1934), President of France (1913-1920), Prime Minister of France (1926-1929)

Overall the bronze is in very good condition with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a few small scratches to the base at the back.
"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."

Louis Lazare Hoche, born in Versailles in 1768, rose quickly through the ranks of the French Revolutionary Army, becoming a general aged 25. After a number of successful campaigns he died suddenly in 1797. At the time of his death, he had just linked forces with Napoleon Bonaparte, which, had he lived, would inevitably have led to a serious rivalry.

This bronze is cast from a plaster for the three metre monumental bronze to the memory of Lazare Hoche, which was exhibited at the Salon of 1902 and then placed at Quiberon, Brittany, where it remains in situ. The present cast is numbered 5, numbers 2 and 11 were sold at Sotheby’s London, on 7 July 1970 (lot 33) and 13 December 2000 (lot 128) respectively.