- 360
A French marble bust of Michel le Tellier (1603-1685), Chancellor of France and Keeper of the Seals, after Antoine Coysevox (1640-1720) 19th century
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- Marble
- height including socle 33 3/4 in.
- 85.7 cm
Exhibited
Chefs-d'oeuvre des coll. part., Musee Carnavalet, 1950, p. 62, no. 169 (illus.)
Literature
F. Souchal, French Sculptors of the 17th and 18th Centuries. The Reign of Louis XIV, vol. I, Oxford, 1977, o, 180, no. 8C (illus.)
Condition
General minor marks, nicks, abrasions, and wear. Small chips around edge of reverse. Very minor chipping in collar. Affixed to plinth with plaster, with some minor chipping around seam.
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
In around 1677, Coysevox produced three busts of the Chancellor, including a marble in the library of Sainte-Genevieve, Paris, a bronze that apparently disappeared in a shipwreck, and a plaster, perhaps the original, whereabouts unknown.
The present bust was previously published as autograph by Souchal. Michel le Tellier was Secretary of War (1643-77) and was subsequently appointed Chancellor in 1677. In that role he created the royal army that enabled Louis XIV to impose his absolute rule on France.