- 6
Auguste Rodin
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 USD
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Description
- Auguste Rodin
- Masque de Saint-Jean Baptiste, modèle de face, version sans plateau, réduction et Main n°29
- Inscribed A. Rodin
- Bronze, green patina
- Length: 3 1/4 by 2 1/2 by 2 1/8 in.
- 7.9 by 6.4 by 5.2 cm
- Conceived circa 1900-1902, and cast in 1902 by the Alexis Rudier Foundry.
Provenance
Malvina Hoffman, France, acquired before 1915
Gifted to Malvina Hoffman's brother
Thence by descent to the current owner
Condition
Overall good condition. Rubbing on the bottom of the base and protruding areas. Minor dust in crevices.
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
This jewel-like bronze by Auguste Rodin is from the collection of American sculptor Malvina Hoffman. Hoffman was Rodin's student in Paris beginning in 1910 and worked with him intermittently until his death in 1917. Cast by the Alexis Rudier Foundry in 1902, this miniature bronze is an amalgam of the mask of St. John the Baptist and the hand of Salome. It is remarkable in its impeccable detail and intriguing in its modest scale. According to Jérôme Le Blay of the Comité Auguste Rodin, this work is documented in the Musée Rodin archives in the notes of Rodin's secretary, René Chéruy: "The only bibelots that Rodin cast in a moment of fancy were two copies of the little hand of Salome on the head of St. John the Baptist and a small reduction of the Hand of God cast in bronze. The head of St. John was smaller than an egg..." (translated). Hoffman is known to have acquired this work by 1915 and it has remained in her family's collection ever since.