JOHN SINGER SARGENT | Study for the Conflict Between Victory and Death

Overall the condition of the bronze is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The bronze has a light green patina. There are two orange coloured areas to the integral base, which may be a form of oxidation. There is a loss to the woman's proper right hand. There are a few minor stable casting fissures, including to the wreath and to the woman's proper right elbow. There is some possible warping to one edge of the base, and the base does not sit quite flush with an even surface.
"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."

This animated bronze is cast from Sargent's sculptural maquette for a painted mural for The Memorial Library of Harvard University. The model has been described as 'a handsomely realized preparatory study (...) which is the superior work when compared with the finished painting.' (op. cit.). Another cast is in the collection of the Hirshhorn Museum, Washington, D.C.

RELATED LITERATURE
D. F. Hoopes, The Private World of John Singer Sargent, exh. cat. The Corcoran Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1964, fig. 165