A French terracotta portrait bust of Felice Pasquale Bacciocchi (1762-1841), by Joseph Chinard (1756-1813), circa 1805, probably Lucca

signed chinard de Lyon.

Prince Murat, Paris
Sotheby's Paris, March 23, 2006, lot 111

Surface abrasions, minor chipping, and small losses. Remainders of terracotta-colored tint. Chips and restoration to proper left front side of sash. Other small chips include: some in hair and around the integrally modeled terracotta plinth. Minor wear to 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.

The Corsican Felice Pasquale Bacciocchi married Elisa Bonaparte, the beloved younger sister of Napoleon, in 1797, and took a series of political appointments from his brother-in-law, including Prince of Lucca.  Another terracotta version of the present bust by Chinard, exhibited in 1909 and probably identifiable as the one in the collection of Franco Maria Ricci, was paired with a portrait of Elisa (Hubert 1964, no. 182a, present location unknown).  Full sized marble versions of the pair by Chinard were with Alberto and Alessandra di Castro in Florence in 2011.  The fine small terracotta versions were probably given as diplomatic gifts, likely on the occasion of a promotion.

RELATED LITERATURE

Gérard Hubert, La sculpture dans L'Italie Napoléonienne, Paris, 1964, no. 182a
Alberto di Castro and Alessandra di Castro, I busti in marmo di Elisa e Felice Baciocchi..., Florence, 2011