- 27
Jean-Léon Gérôme
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Jean-Léon Gérôme
- BELLUAIRE or PLAUDITE CIVES
- signed JL. GEROME, titled PLAUDITE CIVES, with the Siot Decauville foundry seal and numbered 441A, with an original Patricia green marble plinth inscribed J.L GEROME.
- bronze and marble
- height overall 21 in. width 24 in. depth 12 1/2 in.
- 53.5 cm; 61 cm; 32 cm
Literature
Gerald M. Ackerman, The Life and Work of Jean-Léon Gérôme: With a Catalogue Raisonné, New York, 1986, p. 324 for an example of the model now in the Musée de Vésoul, France.
Condition
Overall in good condition. With usual light scratches to the surface. The bronze group is detached from its marble base.
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
"One of the more curious of Gérôme's inventions" and a rare work in Gérôme's oeuvre, the Roman trainer is depicted with a seemingly slain lion. However as Gerald Ackerman writes: "The Roman trainer stands by the lion whom he has just got to 'play dead' and bows to the public, looking up for appreciation. Under his feet the plaque Plaudite Cives, or Applaud, citizens" (Ackerman, 1886, p. 324).
An example of the Lion Tamer was exhibited in the Salon of 1898 (No. 3455) the same year in which it was executed.
An example of the Lion Tamer was exhibited in the Salon of 1898 (No. 3455) the same year in which it was executed.