- 190
Georges Gardet
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Georges Gardet
- Cockatoo
- signed: G. GARDET and inscribed: A. Bingen & Costenolle fondeurs Paris
- onyx and bronze, on green veined marble base
Condition
Overall the condition of the sculpture is very good. The ends of two feathers at the crown have been reattached. Two feather tips at the proper right wing may also have been reattached. There is some minor dirt to the crevices.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Georges Gardet is the most talented and interesting animalier sculptor in the generation after Barye. His models are inspired by his masters Frémiet and Barye, but take an original approach to the genre, breaking new ground with a bold approach to the use of different materials. On the most traditional level his bronze castings are consistently high quality and many are truly exceptional in the care and subtlety of the facture, reflecting his own direct involvement in the production. More pioneering though is his development of the animalier genre into marble and mixed material.
Rejecting the use of classical white Carrara marble, Gardet experimented with local and unusual marbles, taking full advantage of the natural myriad colouration and veining. In his most ambitious works Gardet combined different stones with bronze and other material to create a wholly new approach to animalier sculpture.
This extraordinary cockatoo showcases Gardet's ability to to combine a careful observation of nature with a powerful sense of drama. The bird's vast wing-span is extended and the headcrest is raised as it lands on a knarled brunch. The bird is confronted by a snail on the tree stump, who seems to raise its horn's in mute enquiry. This detail adds a whimiscal humour to the sculpture whilst emphasising the cockatoo's impressive size.
Rejecting the use of classical white Carrara marble, Gardet experimented with local and unusual marbles, taking full advantage of the natural myriad colouration and veining. In his most ambitious works Gardet combined different stones with bronze and other material to create a wholly new approach to animalier sculpture.
This extraordinary cockatoo showcases Gardet's ability to to combine a careful observation of nature with a powerful sense of drama. The bird's vast wing-span is extended and the headcrest is raised as it lands on a knarled brunch. The bird is confronted by a snail on the tree stump, who seems to raise its horn's in mute enquiry. This detail adds a whimiscal humour to the sculpture whilst emphasising the cockatoo's impressive size.