- 132
Marius-Jean-Antonin Mercié
Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Marius-Jean-Antonin Mercié
- La toilette de Diane
- Diana signed: AMercié two of the three sections of the column numbered: 23 the third numbered: 24 and scratched: 100
- white marble, on a verde antico column
Provenance
Private Collection, United Kingdom, since 1931
Condition
Overall the condition of the marble is very good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a few small naturally-occurring inclusions, including to the chest and face. There is a filled inclusion to the back. There is a small abrasion to the nose. There are possibly one or two very minor chips and abrasions to the drapes and edges of the base. Behind the drapery and proper left leg, out of view, there are a few small pits/ inclusions. There are a few losses to the edges of the column, mostly at the bottom (some of the pieces are detached).
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Marius-Jean-Antonin Mercié was one of the most celebrated sculptors of his generation. His masterpieces David après le combat and Gloria Victis were huge commercial successes, cast in numerous editions, and they remain emblematic of French 19th century sculpture. In La Toilette de Diane Mercié exhibits a more lyrical and pensive mood. The falling drapery reveals the goddess' beautiful form as she languidly stretches her arms up to arrange her hair. The original marble version for the model was shown at the Paris Salon in 1891. The work was edited in bronze in very small numbers, marble versions are exceedingly rare.
RELATED LITERATURE
S. Lami, Dictionaire des sculpteurs de l'école française, Paris, 1919, vol III, p. 434; P. Fusco and H. Janson, The Romantics to Rodin, exh. cat. Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 1980, pp. 303-6
RELATED LITERATURE
S. Lami, Dictionaire des sculpteurs de l'école française, Paris, 1919, vol III, p. 434; P. Fusco and H. Janson, The Romantics to Rodin, exh. cat. Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 1980, pp. 303-6