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ARISTIDE MAILLOL | La Nymphe
Estimate
400,000 - 600,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Aristide Maillol
- La Nymphe
- Inscribed with the artist's monogram and with the foundry mark .Alexis Rudier. .Fondeur--Paris. and numbered 3/6
- Bronze
- Height: 53 in.
- 134 cm
- Conceived in 1930.
Provenance
Acquired circa 1990s
Literature
Waldemar George, Aristide Maillol, London, 1965, illustrations of another cast pp. 190 & 193
Condition
Brown patina with green highlights. The surface is slightly dusty, especially in the cervices. There are two minor surface scratches to her proper right thigh. There is a nailhead sized spot of verdigris on the proper right side of her back, beneath the figure's arm. The work is in very good condition.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
The beauty of the female form inspired Maillol throughout his career, and the present sculpture is one of his most idealized representations. The sculpture, rendered with naturalistic approach, is a medley of formal quotations that call to mind some of the greatest sculpture of the classical age (see fig. 1).
Working at the turn of the twentieth century, Maillol believed that the natural contours and essential beauty of the feminine form were best communicated through the use of simple, elegant lines. According to John Rewald, "To celebrate the human body, particularly the feminine body, seems to have been Maillol's only aim. He did this in a style from which all grandiloquence is absent, a style almost earthbound and grave, where static poses and contained gestures convey an impression of gravity and stability" (Aristide Maillol (exhibition catalogue), Paul Rosenberg & Co., New York, 1958-60, pp. 6 & 7).
The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by Olivier Lorquin.
Working at the turn of the twentieth century, Maillol believed that the natural contours and essential beauty of the feminine form were best communicated through the use of simple, elegant lines. According to John Rewald, "To celebrate the human body, particularly the feminine body, seems to have been Maillol's only aim. He did this in a style from which all grandiloquence is absent, a style almost earthbound and grave, where static poses and contained gestures convey an impression of gravity and stability" (Aristide Maillol (exhibition catalogue), Paul Rosenberg & Co., New York, 1958-60, pp. 6 & 7).
The authenticity of this work has been confirmed by Olivier Lorquin.