After Gaspard Marsy and Balthazar Marsy 1624 - 1681 and 1628-1674

Françoise de Lastic (née Gouin); Marquis George de Lastic, Paris; Heim Gallery, London

Heim Winter 1968, no. 48; Heim Summer 1977 no. 21

Düsseldorf 1971, no.348, pl.207

Light golden brown patina beneath large remains of dark brown lacquer. Standard surface abrasions. Some dents and minor scratches. Old, probably original crack (slightly loose) and repair with small loss to drapery on her proper left side from elbow area to the child's proper right arm. One finger on the proper left hand of one child is lacking as shown. Old repaired crack to her wrist on her proper right hand. Otherwise, overall lovely quality and condition.
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.

RELATED LITERATURE

Souchal 1977, vol. III, p. 47, 19b; Hedin 1983

Gaspard Marsy was received at the Academy in Paris in 1657, and his brother Balthazar entered in 1673. Appointed sculpteurs du Roi, they worked at Versailles and from 1668 to 1670 and the brothers were entrusted with the carving of the marble group of Latona and her children for the Bassin de Latone. A. Félibien described the fountain in Rélations de la Feste de Versailles in July 18, 1668, and the engravings of P. Lepautre (1678) and Pérelle (before 1687) show the fountain in place. Bronze reductions of this popular marble group were known in the 18^th century and were often paired with figures of Flora or Andromeda; a pair of bronzes of Latona and Flora from the Selle Collection were sold at auction  February 19, 1761, no. 74).

In Ovid's story of Latona, or in Greek Léto, and Jupiter, parents of twins Apollo and Diana, Latona turned Lycian peasants into frogs after the twins were prevented from drinking water from their lake.