Prince Paul Troubetzkoy, 1866-1938

Overall the condition of the bronze is excellent with some minor wear to the patina consistent with age. There has been some minor restoration to the reigns.
"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."

The date of this cast has been confirmed by Troubetzkoy specialist, John Grioni.

Prince Paul Troubetzkoy, a descendant of a wealthy and illustrious Russian family, developed as a sculptor in Italy before settling in Russia in early 1898. Troubetzkoy was an important ambassador of sculpture during his years in Moscow. The sculptor even brought along Carlo Robecchi, a talented founder he had met during his formative years in Milan, to help further the art in Russia. The two worked closely together as Robecchi cast Troubetzkoy's monument to Alexander III in St. Petersburg and several of his elegant bronze portraits of the aristocracy, like the Après le bal now in the Musée d'Orsay. The present bronze, which represents the eminent writer Leo Tolstoy mounted on his horse Delire, was also cast by Robecchi. The great plastic quality of the bronze surface clearly shows why Troubetzkoy introduced the founder to Russia. Further casts of the model are in the State Russian Museum in St. Petersburg, the Musée d'Orsay in Paris and the Galleria d'Arte Moderna in Milan.

 

RELATED LITERATURE

Paolo Troubetzkoy 1866-1938, exh. cat. Museo del Paesaggio, Piemonte 1990, pp. 140-141, nos. 78-79; E. Lebon, Dictionnaire des fondeurs de bronze d'art. France 1890-1950, Perth 2003, pp. 216-217