ALEXANDRE KÉLÉTY | Tireur à l'Arc (Archer)

Artcurial, Paris, 22 November 2005, lot 52;
private collection, Switzerland

Overall the condition of the bronze is very good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is very minor pitting to the bronze. There are a few very minor scratches and some minor rubbing to the high points to the reverse. The top of the bow is cast separately. The golden patina is intentionally darkened in areas. There are some whitish dirt marks.
"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."

The Hungarian born French sculptor Alexandre Kéléty was responsible for some of the most elegant examples of Art Deco sculpture, many of which were exhibited at the 1925 Paris Exposition internationale des Arts décoratifs et industriels modernes and the 1937 Paris Exposition universelle. The present model shows a stylised archer in a dynamic pose, his billowing drapes harmoniously echoing the undulating shape of the bow. It relates to the sculptor's other action group, The Charioteer (Arwas, op. cit., pp. 116-117). A cast of the present model illustrated by Arwas has a very similar square marble base with rounded corners, though in red Brescian marble (op. cit., p. 115). Casts of the Tireur à l'Arc are rare at auction. Another of the same dimensions, without the marble base, sold at Christie's New York on 12 June 2003 for $160,000. RELATED LITERATURE
V. Arwas, Art Deco Sculpture, London, 1992, pp. 115-117