Lot 57
  • 57

JEAN-LÉON GÉRÔME | Bacchante à la Grappe

Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
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Description

  • Jean-Léon Gérôme
  • Bacchante à la Grappe
  • signed: J L . GERÔME, stamped: SIOT-PARIS, and numbered: 872G
  • bronze, gilt patina
  • 58cm., 22 7/8in.

Condition

Overall, the condition of the bronze is very good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is minor rubbing to the patina, particularly at the high points. There are a few minor scratches, including to underneath the proper right breast and to the abdomen. There is minor dark spotting to the terrasse and to some of the hair.
"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

The present bronze depicts a Bacchante, one of the followers of the Greek god Dionysos, whose worshippers would engage in trance-like dances and mystic rites, in honour of the God of wine, intoxication and ecstasy.  The Bacchante à la Grappe, in Gérôme's well-known Neo-Grec style, was probably based on a painting he made earlier in his career (see Ackerman, op. cit., p. 235). Gérôme only came to sculpture late in life: his first exhibition of a sculpture at the Paris Salon was in 1878, at the age of 54. Two themes seem to define his oeuvre, both present here - a fanciful fascination with the antique and the colouration of sculpture. The sculptor worked closely with the Siot-Decauville foundry, who were well-known for their skill in producing multi-coloured patinas. 

RELATED LITERATURE
G. Ackerman, The Life and Work of Jean-Léon Gérome, p. 235, no. 231; p. 318, no. S.25