Lot 81
  • 81

Franco-Flemish, first third 18th century

Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 EUR
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Description

  • A pair of Busts of a Young Girl and the Young Bacchus
  • a pair of white marble busts; on white marble stands
  • Haut. (totales) 49 et 50 cm; height (overall) 19 1/3 by 19 2/3 in.

Condition

The marbles are in good condition overall, very finely carved with good modelling of all details. The yellow surface of the marlbes can be easily cleaned (due to smoke). Both busts with some natural inclusions and motteling to the marble, in face and to the chest. Bacchus with a restored break to the base, and a filling to the reverse to stable the bust.
"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

The treatment of the hair composed of large curls distinctively detached from the mass, the wide open eyes with caruncles deeply hollowed and the laughing expressions of juvenile faces express the easing of artistic codes at the court of Versailles, from 1700 onwards. It also reminds the style of Northern sculptors active in France such as Cornelius van Cleve (1646-1732) and his Young Neptune in marble.

RELATED LITERATURE
F. Souchal, French Sculptors of the 17th and 18th centuries. The reign of Louis XIV, t. III, London, 1987, pp. 400-401, n° 76.