PAUL EUGÈNE BRETON | Figural Centrepiece

 

Sotheby's New York, 6 and 7 December 1996, lot 205

Overall the condition of the bronze and marble is very good, with minor dirt and wear to the surfaces consistent with age. There are joints to the outward pointing arms of both figures at the upper arms. The bronze is slightly loose on the marble basin, but stable. There are minor scratches to the bronze, including to the legs of both figures. There are minor chips and abrasions to the marble, including to the edges and at the joints where the bronze meets the marble. There are a few naturally occurring inclusions to the marble. There is minor veining to the marble, consistent with the material. There is a small area of greening to the back.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Please note that colour, clarity and weight of gemstones are statements of opinion only and not statements of fact by Sotheby's. We do not guarantee, and are not responsible for any certificate from a gemological laboratory that may accompany the property. We do not guarantee that watches are in working order. 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 refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue, in particular to the Notice regarding the treatment and condition of gemstones.
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."

Paul Eugène Breton was a student of Jean Falguière, Félix Charpentier and Laurent Marqueste, all prominent sculptors of the 19th century Paris Salon. Breton received an honourable mention in 1896 and a medal in 1899. He was mostly known as a sculptor of mythological subjects. The present lot shows his affinity with Romantic subjects and is highly decorative, combining fluid motions and contrasting materials.