Jean-Antonin Mercié

signed A. MERCIE, inscribed F. BARBEDIENNE / FONDEUR. PARIS, numbered 835 and with the A. COLLAS REDUCTION MECHANIQUE seal.

Overall in good original condition with the usual wear to patina in places, especially to the top of head, arms and legs consistent with handling and touching. Light scratches and dents consistent with age and traces of dirt.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

After the success of his celebrated bronze group Gloria Victis at the Salon of 1874, Mercié's best-known work was the present allegorical group Quand Même, which was erected in 1884 on the Place d'Armes in Belfort, in commemoration of the courage of the citizens of the town during the Prussian invasion of 1870. The original full-size plaster model was exhibited at the Salon in 1884 and, due to its tremendous popularity, was subsequently cast in bronze in four sizes by Ferdinand Barbedienne, (64 cm, 85 cm, 107 cm, and 125 cm), of which the present model is the tallest.

Please see lot 14 for a further note on Mercié.