- 176
François Pascal Simon Gérard, called Baron Gérard
Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- François Pascal Simon Gérard, called Baron Gérard
- Three allegorical studies of Abundance, Agriculture and Science, mounted on a design for the ceiling of the Salle du Conseil d'Etat, in the Tuileries Palace
- Black chalk, pen and black ink and gray wash and watercolor, the three separate studies squared for transfer
- 18 1/2 x 40 1/2 inches
Provenance
Baron Henri-Alexandre Gérard, nephew of the artist;
Comte Foy, husband of Henri Gérard's grand-niece;
Comtesse Foy (the actress Elvira Popesco);
sale, New York, Sotheby's, 26 January 2000, lot 171,
where acquired by the present owner
Comte Foy, husband of Henri Gérard's grand-niece;
Comtesse Foy (the actress Elvira Popesco);
sale, New York, Sotheby's, 26 January 2000, lot 171,
where acquired by the present owner
Exhibited
New York, Jill Newhouse, Baron François Gérard (1770-1837), 1992, no number
Condition
Ceiling design drawn over three sheets of paper - the three additional sheets hinged on top of the main ceiling design. Overall in very good condition - all the different mediums are strong.
Sold in carved and gilded frame.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
One of Napoleon's earliest official acts as First Consul was to entrust the architect P.-F.-L. Fontaine (1762-1853) with the renovation and refurbishment of the Tuileries Palace, the former Paris residence of Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette. In keeping with burgeoning dynastic ambitions, the Imperial apartments were installed in 1804. Previously, it had been suggested that the existing Royal theater, a chapel and an audience chamber should be replaced with a revolution-inspired Convention Hall, but Fontaine proposed instead the creation of a grand Salle du Conseil d'Etat.
Building on this project began in 1805, and in May 1806 Gérard was commissioned to execute the painted ceiling decorations, consisting of a large central scene flanked by allegorical figures. The appropriately triumphal subject that he chose was The Battle of Austerlitz (2 December 1805), and specifically the moment when General Rapp announced to Napoleon the defeat of the Russian forces. This vast canvas was exhibited at the Salon in 1810, and was finally installed at the Tuileries in 1811. Some years later, it was banished by Charles X to its current home at the Musée de Versailles, and it therefore survived the destruction of the Tuileries in the last days of the Paris Commune of 1871.