Two bronze busts: Tsars Peter III and Paul I, 1867

In 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. 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."

The 'Gallery of Bronze Busts of Russian Grand Dukes, Tsars and Emperors', issued by the Chopin foundry, dates back to the 1672 'Directory of Titles', which contained thirty illustrations of Russian rulers, and which was used by the Italian sculptor, A. Penna, for his series of sixty-one royal busts ranging from Roerich to Paul I.  Chopin discovered this series in Moscow in 1843 and reissued a bronze version for the 1849 exhibition.  In 1866, he advertised a subscription to the series, hoping to produce three busts per month for ten silver roubles per copy between March 1867 and October 1868.  The works, whose popularity and affordability/ accessibility was heightened by Chopin's decision to scale the busts down to 30cm, were made from patinated or ormolu bronze.