François-Christophe-Armand Toussaint

Overall the condition of the bronzes is good with minor dirt and wear to the surfaces consistent with age. The gilding is intentionally painterly, although there is some minor wear. The front of the man's base is slightly warped. There are a few small original plugs, including one at the man's proper left wrist and at the woman's proper right shoulder. The bronzes are cast in sections and some stable original joints are visible, notably at the tops of the extended arms and one running horizontally across the drapery at the man's back. There is some dark spotting to the patinas, and a few spots of greening, including at the base of the woman. There is some minor dark staining to the woman's chest. The earrings are lost on both figures. There are a few splashes of paint, including to the man's proper left calf muscle. In a few areas, notably at the extended arms, there are residues of canvas and paint that have been applied to the surface, presumably to conceal original joints and plugs. The wiring has not been PAT-tested, and there is some minor oxidation to the light fittings. The bronzes are accompanied by two glass lampshades.
"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."

Toussaint studied under David D'Angers at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris following his admission in 1827 at the age of 21. A skilled sculptor, he received the Grand Prix de Rome four years later with a figure titled Canapée foudroyé sous les murs de thèbes. He received the Médailles de la Légion d'Honneur in 1852, most probably as a direct result of the present models. They were commissioned by the French state on 23 February 1850 for the Palais de L'Elysée and first presented in bronze at the Salon in 1850-1851 under the number 3599. Toussaint had shown the plaster models three years earlier under number 2162. With this impressive pair, Toussaint demonstrates the remarkable vision and talent that earned him the Légion d'Honneur title, a true tour-de-force of fashionable Far-Eastern elegance.

RELATED LITERATURE
P. Kjellberg, Bronzes of the 19th Century: Dictionary of Sculptors, London, 1994, p. 628