L12308

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Lot 31
  • 31

After Jerome Derbais (1645-1712), French, 19th century

Estimate
30,000 - 50,000 GBP
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Description

  • Pair of busts of Louis II de Bourbon, Prince de Condé (1621-1686), 'Le Grand Condé', and Henri de la Tour d'Auvergne, Vicomte de Turenne (1611-1675)
  • bronze and gilt bronze

  • each overall: 95cm., 37 3/8 in.
  • After Jerome Derbais (1645-1712), French, 19th century

Condition

Overall the condition of the bronzes is very good with minor dirt and wear to the surfaces consistent with age, including a few small nicks and scratches. There is some wear to the gilding and spotting to the gilding throughout. There are a few very small (probably original) drill holes visible at the reverse.
"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

These two busts of the Prince de Condé and the Vicomte de Turenne are after the marbles by Jérôme Derbais dating to c.1695. Derbais was a prominent marble mason and sculptor in 17th Century France. He supplied much of the marble work, such as fountains and flooring, for the palace of Versailles. The original marble versions of the present models were bought by Henri Jules de Bourbon, Prince de Condé and are now in the Musée de Condé, Chantilly. Plaster casts of the busts are in the collection at the Palace of Versailles.

Both the Condé and Turenne were military heroes and helped to bring the Thirty Years' War to a successful end for France.

A very similar pair of busts were formerly in the Alberto Bruni Tedeschi Collection and were sold in these rooms on 21st March 2007 (lot 65) for £114,000 (aggregate).

RELATED LITERATURE
S. Hoog, Musée Nationaldu Château de Versailles: Les Sculptures, Paris, 1993, pp. 106, 356, nos. 398, 1666