- 33
Louis-Ernest Barrias
Estimate
18,000 - 25,000 USD
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Description
- Louis-Ernest Barrias
- La Nature se Devoilant devant la Science
- signed E. Barrias and stamped with the Susse Frères Editeurs seal and letter P.
silvered, gilt and patinated bronze
- height 23 1/2 in.
- 59.5 cm
Literature
Romantics to Rodin, exh.cat., Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 1980, p.118-120, no.10
Condition
Good original condition; extensive tarnishing to silvering as visible in catalogue illustration; minor scratches and wear to the gilding; more pronounced tarnishing to gilding at 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.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
Barrias exhibited the model of La Nature mysterieuse et voile se decouvre devant la Science in white marble at the salon of 1893. This first version of La Nature was entirely nude apart from the veil which hung over her head and fell to her feet at her back. Suitably, given its title, the marble was purchased by the Medical Faculty of Bordeaux. Barrias exhibited the model again in 1899 partly clothed, like the present model, and fashioned out of colored stones, fitting into the vogue for chryselephantine sculpture. The contemporary allegory of the title reflects its modernity and thinly disguises the essence of the composition: a beautiful woman undressing.