Jean Louis Ernest Meissonier

Overall, the condition of the bronze is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a few areas of flaking to the patina, notably to the reins and to the sword. It is likely the horse's bridle once included a separately cast noseband and headpiece, which are lost. There appears to be some warping to the reins. There are a few very minor lacunae as the result of casting, including to the bag in front of the rider's proper left leg and to the hilt of the sword. There are a few minor spots of greening to some of the crevices, such as underneath the saddle. There are a few very minor scratches, notably to the terrasse. There is very minor warping to the bottom edge of the terrasse at the front.
"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."

Jean-Louis-Ernest Meissonier achieved exceptional fame and distinction for his meticulously detailed military and genre paintings; regarded particularly highly among these is his series of works depicting the Napoleonic Wars.

It is not known when Meissonier first turned his attentions to sculpture, but, judging by the existing works by his hand, it seems that he used sculpting as a means of preparing for his paintings. Direct links between his canvases and sculptures attest to the significance he placed on the interplay between the two. The success of an exhibition of some of his waxes and a limited number of bronze casts persuaded his family to agree to the distinguished foundry Siot-Deceauville, reproducing further casts of his models and helping to establish Meissonier’s reputation as a talented sculptor as well as painter.

The present bronze, with the herald leaning back to sound his trumpet, exudes a sense of vitality created by the off-balance position of the horse’s right hind leg and its angled tail and mane, which enhances the drama of the occasion. Another bronze version of the present sculpture is held in the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Dijon, while Meissonier’s preparatory drawings of the same group can be found in the Bibliothèque Nationale in Paris.

RELATED LITERATURE
P. Fusco and H.W. Janson (eds.), The Romantics to Rodin. French nineteenth-century sculpture from North American collections, exh. cat. County Museum of Art, Los Angeles, Institute of Arts, Minneapolis, Institute of Arts, Detroit, Museum of Art, Indianapolis, 1980, pp. 300-301