After Mathurin Moreau

Christie's, New York, 26 October 2004, lot 293;
private collection, Monte Carlo

Overall the condition of the cast iron is good with minor dirt and wear to the surfaces consistent with age. There is oxidation to the surfaces consistent with material, in particular to the bases. There are (mostly small) losses to the patinated surfaces throughout. There are a few minor nicks and scratches. Each figure has two drill holes to the bases and holes to the top of the lamps they respectively hold. The tops of the lamps are separately cast. There is a mount on the juggler's proper right arm (bicep) for a separately cast ball (attachable). The top of the lamp held by the snake charmer is detached (but is attachable), as is the stick held in his proper right hand. There is an original casting joint at the snake's neck.
"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."

These fine torchères are most likely to have been cast by the Val d'Osne foundry and are based on engravings of Statues by Mathurin Moreau. The Val d'Osne foundry was formed in 1833 by Jean-Paul Victor André. After petitioining King Louis Philippe for authorization, he received a royal French edict on the 5th of April 1836 to open a shop in the val d'Osne. André began with one furnace and a few employees who cast utilitarian objects such as pipes and covers to a three furnance factory with 220 ironmasters. The success of the foundry was largely due to the relationships he established with contemporary sculptors, as well as his experimentation with mettalurgy and casting methods. The foundry had a particularily close relationship with Mathurin Moreau who not only provided many models for reproduction in bronze, but who became of the administrators of the business. After André's death the foundry was run by his wife, but was eventually sold to Gustave Barbezat (circa 1849). By 1892 the foundry had merged with J.J. Ducell and boasted the largest collection of moulds in the world.