- 91
Ernest Barrias
Estimate
35,000 - 50,000 GBP
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Description
- Ernest Barrias
- La Nature se dévoilant devant la Science (Nature revealing herself to Science)
- signed: E. Barrias, inscribed: Susse Fres Edrs, stamped: P and with the SUSSE FRERES EDITEURS PARIS pastille
- partially tinted white marble, bronze, silvered and gilt patina, and lapis lazuli, on a variegated red marble base
Condition
Overall the condition of the sculpture is very good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a few small naturally occurring inclusions in the white marble. There are a few minor removable crayon marks to the white marble: to the proper left cheek and arm. The fingers and toes are all in tact and the original support joining the proper left little finger to its neighbour survives. There are a few very minor abrasions and chips to the corners and edges of the red marble base. The polychromy to the marble may be refreshed. The sculpture is composed in sections and joints are slightly visible. There is some minor oxidation and dark spotting to the silvered and gilt bronze patinas consistent with material and age. There are three small slightly visible original marble plugs in the reverse side of the red marble base, probably to secure the sculpture to the base.
"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
Barrias exhibited the model of La Nature in white marble at the salon of 1893. This first version was entirely nude apart from the veil which hung over her head and fell to her feet at her back. Suitably, given its title, the marble was purchased by the Medical Faculty of Bordeaux. Barrias exhibited the model again in 1899 partly clothed, like the present model, and fashioned out of coloured stones, fitting into the vogue for chryselephantine sculpture. The contemporary allegory of the title reflects its modernity and thinly disguises the essence of the composition: a beautiful woman undressing.
RELATED LITERATURE
P. Fusco and H. Janson, The Romantics to Rodin, exh. cat. Los Angeles County Museum, Los Angeles, 1980, pp. 118-120, no. 10
RELATED LITERATURE
P. Fusco and H. Janson, The Romantics to Rodin, exh. cat. Los Angeles County Museum, Los Angeles, 1980, pp. 118-120, no. 10