Ernest Damé 1845 - 1920 A RARE AND MONUMENTAL VAL D'OSNE FOUNDRY CAST-IRON GROUP OF DIANA AND ENDYMION France, circa 1889

the youth Endymion seated scantily draped upon a cloud flanked by the nude moon goddess holding aloft a cloak, the base titled Diana & Endymion and stamped Fonderies d'Art du Val d'Osne, 58 Bd Voltaire, Paris.

Sotheby's, Amsterdam, "The Piet Jonker Collection, Garden Sculpture and Architectural Ornaments," May 18, 2005, lot 317

Overall in good condition and presentation. The surface has been recently refinished by a professional studio with a white undercoat to protect the cast iron from weather damage. The present decorative finish, in the grey-tones, is in keeping with this type of garden or outdoor statuary, the former condition and color of this figural group was in the green tone showing extensive light rust to surface throughout. One can notice some variation in color in places. No apparent cracks or breaks, no visible seams on construction. Please note that the present sculpture weighs 3,240 lbs. Please do not hesitate to call the department to enquire about a shipping estimate. The price paid at the Piet Jonker Collection, Sotheby's Amsterdam, May 18, 2005, lot 317, was 404,000 EUR. There are also residues of green moss throughout the sculpture resulting in green patches and black dots consistent with outdoor display.
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.

This dramatic depiction of Diana and Endymion is a departure from the way in which the story is usually told.  The beautiful youth Endymion was put to eternal sleep by Jupiter, in return for perpetual youth.  Therefore he became a symbol of the timelessness of beauty.  Diana, in contradiction to her personification of chastity, used to visit him at night.  She is usually shown embracing the recumbent figure.  Here, however, we see the beautiful boy seated asleep on a bundle of clouds.  The nude goddess, still recognizable thanks to the crescent adorning her hair, is flanking him in flight.  The flowing draperies emphasize her movement which add to the dramatic character of this magnificent group.

Ernest Damé was a pupil of Lequesne-Cavelier and Guillaume and a regular exhibitor at the Paris Salons.  He received numerous public commissions, most notably the statue of Claude Chappe on the Boulevard Saint Germain and Victor Jacquemont at the Hôtel de Ville in Paris.  He was awarded a bronze medal at the 1889 and 1900 Expositions Universelles in Paris.

In the second half of the 19th century, the foundry at Val d'Osne became highly regarded for the varied nature and quality of its castings.  The foundry had originally been started by J.P.V. André in 1835 in Val d'Osne and developed rapidly.  Like other more benevolent nineteenth century industrialists André appreciated the advantages of education and to this end established a school without tuition fees, in which he provided the best instruction for his apprentices.  He furthermore offered a savings' bond and a benefit society to the two hundred or so workmen employed there.  He contributed to the London International Exhibition of 1851, where his bronze fountain cast with classical figures attracted much attention.  He also specialized in fancy castings and architectural fittings.  His Paris address was at 14 Rue Neuve, Menilmontant. 

In 1855 the Barbezat & Cie foundry was born out of the André workshop.  In 1867 Barbezat & Cie changed its name to Houille & Cie.  Then, in 1870, it changed its name to Société Anonyme du Val d'Osne.  With the change of name came the change of casting mark and address:  Fonderies d'Art du Val d'Osne, 58 Bd Voltaire, Paris.

See:
J.C. Renard, L'Age de la Fonte, un Art une Industrie, 1800-1914, Paris, 1895.