Jean Louis Ernest Meissonier

Overall, the condition of the bronze is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The bronze has an attractive feuille d'automne patina with reddish undertones. There is some minor wear to the patina, in particular to the horse's nose, to the horse's proper left side at the front, and to the horseman's proper left forearm and wrist. There is some very minor wear elsewhere, and there is some rubbing to the patina at the high points, including to the man's face and hat. The horse's bit and the proper left rein are lost, the proper right rein is slightly misshapen and disconnected from the hand. There is minor wear to the top of the terrasse.
"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."

This beautifully dynamic cast of a traveller on horseback struggling against the wind in his face, can be brought into direct relation with a painting by Meissonier sold in these rooms as lot 348 on 14 November 2007. This reaffirms the idea that the artist used his sculptures as a means of preparing for his paintings. The serial number and the foundry mark indicate this to be one of the models the Siot-Decauville foundry reproduced after an exhibition had proven Meissonier's sculptural work to be greatly popular.  

RELATED LITERATURE
P. Fusco and H.W. Janson (eds.), The Romantics to Rodin. French nineteenth-century sculpture from North American collections, exh. cat. County Museum of Art, Los Angeles, Institute of Arts, Minneapolis, Institute of Arts, Detroit, Museum of Art, Indianapolis, 1980, pp. 300-301