- 188
France, XIXe siècle Paire de sphinges
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 EUR
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- Paire de sphinges
- en terre cuite
- 76 x 102 x 35 cm; 30 by 40 by 13 4/5 in.
Provenance
Ancienne collection du compositeur Francis Poulenc (1899-1963) ; puis resté dans sa propriété en Touraine.
Literature
B. Rosasco, "New Documents and Drawings concerning Lost Statues from the Château of Marly", dans Metropolitan Museum Journal, Vol. 10, 1975, pp. 79-96.
Condition
Good condition overall with surface dirt and stains consistent with outside exposure of the sphinges. A few minor chips at several places with no harm to the general aspect of the sphinges.
The paws may have been slightly retouched and the edges of the draperies of several places as well. The tip of both noses appears to have been retouched. Highly decorative pieces, precise in all details.
"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."
"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
Ces sphinges sont à rapprocher des modèles de Nicolas Coustou (1658-1753), réalisés à la demande de Louis XIV pour le Pavillon Royal du Château de Marly. Les modèles de Coustou, aujourd'hui disparus, furent fondus par Jean Hardy (1653-1737) et François Lespingola (1644-1705) peu après 1701. Ils sont connus par des dessins conservés au Musée National de Stockholm et par une gravure de Blondel représentant le pavillon royal avec les shinges reconnaissables en façade. D'autres modèles en pierre calcaire, datant de la fin du XVIIIe ou du début du XIXe siècle, ornent le corps de logis du Château de Ménars, propriété de Madame de Pompadour en Touraine. Une autre paire de sphinges en terre cuite du même modèle est exposée dans le jardin de l'Hôtel de Berny à Amiens.