Lot 757
  • 757

'Acte de bienfaisance de Marie-Antoinette'. An ivory and mother of pearl fan, French, circa 1773

Estimate
1,000 - 1,500 GBP
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Description

  • 'Acte de bienfaisance de Marie-Antoinette'. An ivory and mother of pearl fan, French, circa 1773
  • ivory, mother of pearl, paper
  • 27.5cm., 10 3/4 in. long
the leaf painted with Marie-Antoinette comforting a woman peasant whose husband was injured during a hunt, after a drawing by Jean-Michel Moreau, dit Moreau le Jeune, the reverse with a huntsman and his lady among hounds by a river, the gilt, silvered and foiled sticks and guards pierced and carved with trophies among spangles and garlands, paste pivot, in paper case 

Condition

nice painting and good order despite usual wear and tears along folds and edges. Some holes along folds in a few places. further tears at junction of sticks and front leaf, especially to left - one tear to lift at junction with stick. some wear to silvered ornaments and spangles missing. Tinted foiled along guards faded out.
"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

In October 1773, a peasant was injured by a stag during a Royal hunt. As the Dauphine, Marie-Antoinette, saw the peasant's wife fainting, she stepped out of her carriage, gave her salts, comforted her and gave her some money. The compassion of Marie Antoinette moved the population and the incident became a popular subject, featuring on snuff-boxes and marquetry of shell. The drawing by Jean-Michel Moreau was engraved immediately after and published in 'La Gazette de France' (28 February 1774), 'L'Avant-Coureur' (March 1774), 'Le Journal des Sciences et des Beaux arts) 'March 1774) and 'Mercure de France' (March 1774). See an example in the British Museum (1917,1208.3940).