- 36
Alfred W. Boisseau
Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
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Description
- Alfred W. Boisseau
- Le Crépuscule (The Twilight)
- signed: Boisseau and stamped: THIEBAUT FRERES / FONDEURS PARIS
- bronze, dark brown patina
Condition
Overall the condition of the bronze is very good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. A stable original joint is slightly visible at the woman's proper right upper arm. There is a dent to the bottom edge of the base at the front. There are a few minor nicks and scratches, including to the woman's knees. There is some minor dark spotting to the patina in a few areas, including to the woman's proper right arm and the knees.
"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
When Boisseau exhibited his marble version of La Crépuscule at the Salon of 1883, it was accompanied by the lines of verse translated below:
Twilight
Silence is coming. In the shadow,
When the shepherd’s star shines,
Nature under a dark sky
Quietly goes to sleep, in the Night.
Twilight is personified by a beautiful nude, whose curved posture evokes the image of a crescent moon. With her delicately raised arms she dims the lamp, turning her head to tenderly observe the putti, who fall asleep against the soft shadow of her wings. The Salon model was awarded the prestigious gold medal and purchased for the Élysée Palace. In light of its popularity and distinction, the Thiébaut foundry bought the rights to edit the model in bronze.
RELATED LITERATURE
E. Bénézit, Dictionnaire critique et documentaire des peintres sculpteurs dessinateurs et graveurs, Paris, 1999, vol. 2, p. 476