Isidore-Hippolyte Nicolas Brion

with Daniel Katz Ltd., London, 1997
Christie's, Paris, 7 December 2001, lot 645

London, Daniel Katz Ltd., 1997

Art and Architecture, Courtauld Institute of Art Online Database, Mrs Dupaty, Brion, Isidore, Hippolyte, Nicholas, 1830, marble, available at: http://www.artandarchitecture.org.uk/images/conway/28ca8797.html [accessed on 02 May 2013]

Overall the condition of the marble is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is a restored break with some small losses to the proper left sleeve (with three pins under the sleeve). There are a few small chips and abrasions to the edges of the sleeves. There are a few small naturally occuring inclusions to the marble. There is veining consistent with the material, particularly to the chest. The figure is fixed to the socle with help of some plaster.
"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."

Isidore-Hippolyte Nicolas Brion was born in Paris and established a reputation for himself in genre sculpture. He received a second prize at the Salon of 1819 aged only twenty. He gained most acclaim during the reign of popular ‘roi-citoyen’ (King of the French people), Louis-Phillipe, who was proclaimed King after the abdication of Charles X. The present sculpture is thought to be the first time that Brion received a commission for a portrait bust of someone associated to the French court, following the accession of Louis-Phillipe to the throne in August 1830. Madame Dupaty was married to J.C. Mercier Dupaty, President of the Royal Court and close friend of the newly elected King.

The present sculpture represents Madame Dupaty as a figure of noble presentation and grace; her hair is meticulously coiffured while her soft eyes with distant expression speak of gentility and kindness. The fine execution of the present sculpture, displaying the artist’s technical skill in evoking character as well as physical likeness, is precisely why Brion quickly became one of the most popular portraitists of his era. He continued to execute contemporary and historical portraits to public and critical acclaim. He received a ‘rappel de médaille’ in 1857 for a plaster model of l’Abbé Hauy, executed for the Musée d’histoire Naturelle. He was decorated with a Legion of Honour in 1863.