Gustave Hierholtz

Private Collection, France

There is a small scratch on the left shoulder of the figure but the sculpture is in good condition overall, and is well preserved.
"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."

Swiss artist, Gustave Hierholtz was a student of the famous French sculptor Rodin. After winning the illustrious Abd-el-Tif prize in 1912, he became the Director of the Hanoi Applied Art School (École Professionnelle de Hanoi) from 1919-1930. Under Hierholtz's direction, young Vietnamese art students like Le Pho, Mai Thu, Vu Cao Dam were taught the foundations of art and were prepared to enter the admissions competition for the new Ecole des Beaux Arts d'Indochine, which opened in 1925. Hierholtz's Vietnamese period sculptures are rare, which makes the present work, a bronze bust of a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, depicted in a meditative state, with his eyes closed, a rather unusual presentation of the classical portrait. Beautifully executed with an original patina, this sculpture conveys a fine European artist's fond appreciation of Vietnam, its culture and people. Gustave Hierholtz is in the permanent collection of various museums in France, among them Musée du Quai Branly.