A cast-iron figural group representing air, VAL D'OSNE, AFTER THE MODEL BY HANS JOHANN-BALTHAZAR KELLER VOM STEINBOCK (1638-1702) 19TH CENTURY

modelled as three putti playing with birds, stamped Val d'Osne

Related Literature
Société Anonyme des Hauts-Fourneaux & Fonderies du Val-D'Osne catalogue, circa 1900, plate 586.

"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."

A frequent participant at the international exhibition during teh second half of the 19th Century, the prolific firm of the Val d'Osne, established by J.P.V. André in 1835, was known for their extensive inventory of architectural designs and 'fancy castings'. The firm met critical acclaim at the 1857 London Exhibition with a monumental bronze fountain cast with swans and Classical figures. Acquired by Barbezat & Cie in 1867, and allying with the fondeur J.J. Ducel towards 1870, the company was eventually renamed Société Anonyme des Hauts-Fourneaux & Fonderies du Val-D'Osne, Anciennes maison J.P.V. André et J.J. Ducel et Fils.

The present group is a copy of an allegorical group by Hans Johann-Balthazar Keller vom Steinbock (1638-1702), which he designed for the Bassin du Nord at Versailles and which was installed between 1687 and 1690. Val d'Osne's catalogue offered cutomers a choice of life-size groups based upon the Versailles models.