Lot 130
  • 130

JOSEPH CHINARD (1756-1813), FRENCH, CIRCA 1801, | Bust of Napoleon Bonaparte

Estimate
60,000 - 80,000 EUR
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Description

  • Bust of Napoleon Bonaparte 
  • bronzed plaster; on a walnut plinth signed and dated: Chinard de l'institut nationale de L'athénée de Lyon le 24 frimaire an IO [15 December 1801]
  • 76 cm the bust, 30 in.; 110 cm the plinth, 43 1/3 in.

Provenance

Private collection, France.

Literature

G. Hubert, G. Ledoux-Lebard, Napoléon. Portraits contemporains, bustes et statues, Paris, 1999, pp. 48-54 (fig. 32).

Condition

Wear to the bronze patina to the high points in some places, notably to the tip of Napoleon's nose, and along the edges of the base, consistent with age and handling. There are a few chips to the high points and losses along the edges of the base, notably to the lower edge. A few minor dents are visible in some places, notably to the tip of Napoleon's nose and to his chin. Air bubbles are visible in some places, notably to the base, consistent with the material. The layer of paint thoughout the surface could possibly conceal other old restorations. Otherwise in very good condition overall.
"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

Young hero of the Egyptian campaigns and self-proclaimed First Consul following a coup d'état, Napoleon Bonaparte was only 32 when Chinard modeled his portrait in 1801. Depicted as a military chief, his Herm bust - after the Antique models of Roman Emperors - bears the names of Napoleon's early victories illustrating his already dazzling career. There are approximately eight known examples of this model - all of which lifetime plaster cast - including those in: Château de la Malmaison, the Fine-Arts Museum, Lyon,  the Museum of Art and History, Geneva, and three now lost: one previously in the Town Hall of Lyon, one commissioned in 1801 by General Duhesme, commander of the Lyon garrison, and one offered by Chinard to the Academy of Lyon, his hometown. Another example, formerly with the Parisian dealers Fabius Frères, was sold by Christie's New York, 13 April, 2016, lot 27.

The present bust is certainly one of the rare examples of this model still in private hands.