- 9
AFTER THE MODELS BY FRANCESCO BERTOS (1678-1741)FRENCH, 18TH CENTURYALLEGORIES OF SUMMER (OR ZEPHYR) AND AUTUMN (OR BACCHUS), |
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 EUR
Log in to view results
bidding is closed
Description
- pair of bronze figures, red brown patina; on 18th century bronze, tortoiseshell and engraved brass marquetry bases (the lower parts of the bases later)
- Haut. (overall) 42cm. and 47cm., 17 in. and 18½ in.; (bronze) 30 cm. and 35cm., 11¾ in. and 13¾ in.
Provenance
Formerly Jean Bloch collection, Paris
Thence by descent to the present owner, private collection, Paris
Thence by descent to the present owner, private collection, Paris
Literature
C. Avery, The triumph of motion. Francesco Bertos (1678-1741) and the art of sculpture. Catalogue raisonné, Turin, 2008, p. 198, n° 79-80 (ill.)
Catalogue Note
The casting and the patina of these bronze figures are slightly different than known Italian examples and their Boulle style marquetry bases indicate a probable French 18th century origin, after Bertos’ models. Active in Rome circa 1693 and in Venice circa 1733, Francesco Bertos is best known for his complex and dynamic pyramidal compositions with multiple figures. In 2008, Charles Avery mentioned six pairs of comparable allegorical figures, with some variations, including the present pair. A seventh pair has since been added to this corpus.
Contrary to what the subjects might suggest, these models were probably designed as a pair and not as part of a series on the Four Elements or the Four Seasons. If the graceful figure of Bacchus varies little from one pair to another, that of Zephyr, even more androgynous than the former, varies from one cast to another. In some pairs, Zephyr is even replaced by a bronze of Ceres, the wings replaced by a sheaf of wheat in her hands.
Contrary to what the subjects might suggest, these models were probably designed as a pair and not as part of a series on the Four Elements or the Four Seasons. If the graceful figure of Bacchus varies little from one pair to another, that of Zephyr, even more androgynous than the former, varies from one cast to another. In some pairs, Zephyr is even replaced by a bronze of Ceres, the wings replaced by a sheaf of wheat in her hands.