Rembrandt Bugatti

Galerie A.-A. Hébrard, Paris (acquired by 1934)
Private Collection, Colorado
Acquired from the above 

Philippe Dejean, Bugatti: Carlo, Rembrandt, Ettore, Jean, Paris, 1981, illustration of another cast p. 155
Jacques Chalom des Cordes & Véronique Fromanger des Cordes, Rembrandt Bugatti, Catalogue raisonné, Paris, 1987, illustration of another cast p. 271
Véronique Fromanger, Rembrandt Bugatti Sculpteur—Répertoire Monographique, Paris, 2009, no. 273, illustration of another cast p. 323
Véronique Fromanger, Une trajectoire foudroyante, Rembrandt Bugatti, sculpteur, répertoire monographique, Paris, 2016, no. 276, illustration of another cast p. 357

The work is in excellent original condition. It has a rich dark brown patina. There are some minor surface scuffs and scratches to the patina overall. There is a minor scuff to the puma's left ear and a minor scuff at the back of the left leg.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Majestic and playful, Bugatti’s cast of the Puma mâle is a magnificent exposition of animalistic beauty and power. The individual nuances of the puma's figure are represented with a fastidious attention to detail, revealing the sculptor’s true affinity with his subject. A testament to Bugatti’s ability, the bronze comes alive with a lithe grace and sense of movement. He captures the feline grace of the animal in the low sling of the animal’s back and slightly raised paw as it prepares to take another step. The playful and relaxed pose masking a latent ferocity is subtly encapsulated in the meticulously crafted musculature and intensity of the subject’s gaze, reflecting the unmistakable and individual character of the animal. Bugatti’s working methods were remarked on by all who had the opportunity to witness them because "for as long as it took—days, sometimes weeks, he would observe and get to know his subject. Then he worked at great speed, modeling in clay or plastilene (a non-drying compound of clay dust and wax) on wire armatures" (Edward Horswell, Rembrandt Bugatti, Life in Sculpture, London, 2004, p. 69). Always choosing to work in direct contact with the animals the sculptor succeeds in capturing "the perpetual motion of life itself" (ibid., p. 75).

This model was cast in the foundry of Adrien Hébrard, a key mentor and supporter of Bugatti, who also cast works by artists including Edgar Degas and Auguste Rodin. The quality of the cast is evident and it is clear why "the casting is one of the attractions which makes Rembrandt Bugatti’s sculptures so precious in the eyes of many collectors. Indeed, it is the perfection in the translation of detail, the slightest quiver is espoused by the molten metal, and there is the richness and warmth of the patina and its generally dark quality which was desired by the artist" (Phillipe Dejean, op. cit., p. 138).

Bugatti was from a family of successful artists whose creative legacy can be traced back centuries. His father Carlo was known for his exotic and fanciful furniture, metalwork and musical instruments, whilst his brother Ettore made the name Bugatti synonymous with beautifully designed automobiles. Puma mâle is a true encapsulation of Bugatti’s unique spirit, passion for rendering movement and unquestionable technical ability, with his work standing tall alongside the other achievements within his remarkable family.