AFTER A MODEL BY ANTONIO CANOVA (1757-1822)ITALIAN, FIRST HALF 19TH CENTURY | The Three Graces

Overall the condition of the bronze is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The surface is variated. There is an original dark lacquer to the surface which has worn at the high points. There are darkish areas where there is dirt sitting on top of the surface, in particular to the reverse. There are some losses to the patina including to the central Grace’s face and neck. There are some scratches and abrasions such as at the right Grace’s buttocks. The base is cast separately and in two sections, with a joint running down the centre. The underside is filled with cork.
"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."

Canova's celebrated Three Graces was modelled in June-August 1813, following a request in 1812 from the Empress Josephine de Beauharnais, the divorced wife of Napoleon. A second version was commissioned by the Duke of Bedford, who had seen the work in progress when he visited Canova's studio in Rome in 1815. Much enamoured with the sculpture, the Duke requested a new version, which was completed and delivered to Woburn in 1817. Since these two original models, the sculpture has been repeatedly imitated, with bronze reductions like the present item particularly popular throughout the 19th century.  RELATED LITERATURE
H. Honour, 'Canova's Three Graces', in T. Clifford et al., The Three Graces, Edinburgh, 1995, pp. 19-60