Jean-Léon Gérôme

Overall the condition of the bronze is very good with some minor wear to the patina consistent with age. There is some black spotting to the gilt patina and an area of black to the horse's right buttock. There are a few patches of slight discolouration including one to Caesar's back near his sword and another to the horse's belly, behind his proper left foot. There is some dirt in the crevices. The horse's harness has separated into two parts along an original join on the proper left of the horse'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."

Here, in one of his last sculptures, Gérôme returns to the central character of his seminal painting: The Death of Caesar. However, instead of the abject defeat and death of the general the artist here recreates his ascent to power. Created in 1900, four decades after the painting, the sculpture deals with the decisive moment when Julius Caesar crossed the boundary between Cisapline Gaul and Roman Italy proper. In this action he unlawfully excercised imperium, a crime punishable by death. This irreversable step caused him to utter the immortal line "Alea iacta est". Julius Caesar's march on Rome caused his rival Pompey and the majority of the Senate to flee the city and Caesar soon gained victory in the civil war.

Gérome takes full advantage of the dramatic potential of the subject. Caesar wades through the lapping waters of the river and onto the reeded banks of the Italian side. A great wind ruffles the horse's mane and tail and whips Caesar's cloak above his head. The general's face is a study in focus and determination.

The model was cast in two sizes by Siot-Decauville. Another version is in the National Gallery of Canada, Ontario.

RELATED LITERATURE
G. Ackerman, The Life and Work of Jean-Léon Gérôme, Paris, 1986, pp. 326-7, no. S.54