Lot 355
  • 355

Jean-Baptiste Clésinger (1814-1883) Swiss, circa 1860

Estimate
12,000 - 18,000 USD
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Description

  • Zingara, danseuse napolitaine
  • signed: J. CLESINGER
  • white marble
  • Jean-Baptiste Clésinger (1814-1883) Swiss, circa 1860
 

Provenance

Christie’s New York, 26 October 1988, lot 229

Condition

Minor surface wear, very minor losses and small chips including the edge of the base. Some veining in marble. Both arms carved separately, some of proper right arm and fingers are restored, some fingers in proper left hand and wrist were broken and expertly restored. The tambourine was broken in half and repaired.
"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

Jean-Baptiste Clésinger first emerged as an independent sculptor at the Paris Salon of 1847. In 1852, after a failed marriage and receiving harsh criticism for his equestrian group of François I, he moved to Rome. There he frequented Thorvaldsen's studio and became inspired by Thorvaldsen's attractive combinations of Neoclassical style with Romantic subject-matter. In 1857, Clésinger executed the original marble Zingara. It was one of his eight submissions to the 1859 Paris Salon, which relaunched his career in France.