Prince Paul Troubetzkoy

Sotheby's Parke Bernet, New York, 8 February 1980, lot 199

The condition is good. There is some general surface dirt and wear to the patina consistent with age with some rough areas of patina on the thighs and back. The ends of some of the fingers are slightly misshapen.
"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."

Troubetzkoy's portrait of his close friend, Lady Constance Stewart Richardson (1883-1932), is one of the most admired of his models in bronze. Born Constance Hay MacKenzie, Lady Stewart Richardson was a dancer and suffragette who scandalized society with her provocative choreography and scant performance attire, both regarded as unbecoming of woman of noble birth.  

According to a 1908 article in the New York Times, Lady Stewart Richardson "was regarded as the most athletic young woman in the United Kingdom." Troubetzkoy captures her lithe figure mid dance with a dynamic plasticity. Her narrow tapering fingers and balletic pose exemplify Troubeztkoy's skill as a modeller. The bronze itself, executed by the Roman Bronze Works, demonstrates the refinement and sophistication commensurate with works from the accomplished New York foundry and marks the sculpture as an early cast, one with which Troubeztkoy would have been actively involved.  

Other examples of this model are in the collections of the Detroit Institute of Art and the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.

RELATED LITERATURE
V. Pica: 'Artisti contemporanei: Paolo Troubetzkoy', Emporium, xii, 1900, pp. 2–19; R. Giolli: Paolo Troubetzkoy, Milan, 1913); Sculture del principe Paolo Troubetzkoy, Milan, 1933; G. Piantoni & P. Venturoli, eds., Paolo Troubetzkoy exh. cat., Verbania, Paesaggio, 1990, no. 171, p. 211, M. L. Levkoff, Rodin in his Times, 1994, p. 188-93