Pierre Etienne Monnot

Drouot, Paris, 15 December 1997, lot 145

The marble is an important finely carved autograph bust by the celebrated French Rome based sculptor Monnet. There is dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The surface is consistent with the marble having been outside for part of its life and there is resultant wear to the surface detail throughout, in particular to the lace shirt and to the eyes. Two of the buttons on the jacket appear to be lost. There are small chips and abrasions including to the drapery and the hair. There is a larger loss to the drapery at the proper right arm. There is an area of composite fill to the back of the bust on the proper left side.
"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."

Born and educated in France, Pierre-Etienne Monnot moved to Rome around 1687, establishing a successful career as a sculptor in the Eternal City. Foremost among his distinguished international clientele was Karl, Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel (1654-1730), who entrusted him with the lavish decoration of the Marmorbad in Kassel. Another important patron of the sculptor was the Englishman John Cecil, 5th Earl of Exeter (circa 1648-1700), for whom Monnot produced an elaborate tomb. Monnot was clearly valued by his patrons not only for his architectural and decorative designs, but for his considerable talent in portraiture; both Hesse-Kassel and Exeter commissioned busts from the sculptor. While its flamboyantly coiffed sitter has not been identified, the present bust illustrates Monnot's skill as a carver, as well as his flair as a portraitist.

RELATED LITERATURE
S. Lami, Dictionnaire des sculpteurs de l'école française sous le règne de Louis XIV, Paris, 1906, vol. 2, pp. 381-384; R. Enggass, Early Eighteenth-Century Sculpture in Rome, University Park and London, 1976, pp. 77-88