- 33
Pierre-Jules Mêne
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Pierre-Jules Mêne
- Amazone No 1
- signed: P.J. MÊNE.
- bronze, red-brown patina
Condition
Overall the condition of the bronze is very good. There is some minor wear to the surface consistent with age and some minor spotting 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
The present auction includes two other famous female equestrian models, one of them French and the other English. Interestingly it is the model of the young Queen Victoria by the English sculptor Thomas Thornycroft (lot 14) which, according to Poletti and Richarme, influenced Pierre-Jules Mêne's Amazone as much as Antoine-Louis Barye's interpretation of the same subject (lot 25). Exhibited at the 1865 Salon, Amazone is thought to be a portrait as the title in the Salon catalogues was Mme L...montant Monte-Christo, cheval anglais de pur-sang. Despite its critical success at the Salon, Mêne's Amazone is the rarest of his figurative compositions.
RELATED LITERATURE
Poletti & Richarme (2007), F12, p. 41-2