After François-Joseph Bosio

Gift of Louis XVIII to Duke Decazes, by repute; Private Collection, Paris; Heim Gallery, London

General surface abrasions and rubbing. Stable casting crack on back of proper right shoulder. Overall good 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.

Louis XVIII claimed the French throne in 1795 after the death of Louis XVI's son, but did not reign until 1814, after the first defeat of Napoleon. He fled Paris upon Napoleon's escape from Elba and was restored to the throne after Waterloo. Although Bosio had received extensive patronage from the Bonaparte family, he was quick to change his allegiance and exhibited a marble bust of Louis XVIII in the first Restoration Salon in 1814.

In 1822, Bosio was appointed First Sculptor by the King. In 1821 he was made an officer of the Légion d'Honneur and created a baron in 1825 by Charles X. Bosio executed several versions of his bust of Louis XVIII, examples of which are in the Musée de Chalon-Sur-Saône, the Musée de Marseille and the Musée de Brest. A bronze version of the bust was also included in the Exposition Centennale of 1900 in Paris.