Augustin-Jean Moreau-Vauthier

Overall the bronze is in very good condition. There is some minor wear consistent with age. There is a faint painted stripe running along the back of the neck and there is some spotting to the surface particularly on the drapery covering the left shin and the right arm. There is a small dent at the back of the globe.
"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."

Augustin-Jean Moreau-Vauthier began his career as an ivory carver but went on to study sculpture at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts from 1850 under Armand Toussaint.  Highly successful Salon exhibits followed and he was made a professor at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in 1885. A number of his works were purchased by the State including a version of his Fortune.

La Fortune is perhaps the most immediately recognisable of Moreau-Vauthier's figures. Owing to its immense popularity it was cast in edition, and in various sizes. The model was first exhibited in plaster at the Salon of 1878 and in bronze the following year when it was purchased by the state. The Salon bronze is now in the collection of the Musée de Rennes. A version in marble was shown at the Exposition Universelle of 1889.

The present cast is a rare version with the inclusion of a base in the form of a globe supported by two winged putti. In the delicate small size the elegance and balance of the allegorical figure is particularly remarkable. This fine cast has a warm, translucent patina and a refined treatment of detail as the diaphanous layers of drapery billow across the body in graceful folds.

RELATED LITERATURE
Bénézit, vol. 9, p. 831; Lami, vol. iii, pp. 484 - 488