- 199
Prince Paul Troubetzkoy
Estimate
25,000 - 35,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Prince Paul Troubetzkoy
- Lancer from Savoy
- signed: Paolo Troubetzkoy/ Milano 1898 and inscribed: A. Robecchi fuse / Milan 1898
- bronze, brown patina, on a veined red marble base
Condition
Overall the condition of the bronze is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a few small areas of oxidation to the reins at the horse's head. There is particular dirt to some of the crevices. The spear is slightly loose. There are small chips to the corners and edges of the marble base, including a large chip on the right short side.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
‘He is the most astonishing sculptor of modern times’. This was how George Bernard Shaw described the Italian artist, of royal Russian descent, Prince Paul Troubetzkoy. Shaw insisted that he was ‘one of the few geniuses of whom it is not only safe, but necessary, to speak in superlatives’ (op. cit.). Troubetzkoy returned the compliment with sculptures; a small bronze portrait of Shaw by Troubetzkoy sold in Sotheby’s New York in 2008 for $47,500.
The present bronze was modelled during Troubetzkoy’s early life in Italy. It represents a stately lancer from Savoy. The solid vertical lines of the composed horse are reinforced by the rider’s position, and continued by his high lance. Lancer from Savoy, modelled with Troubtezkoy’s distinctive rough handling and textured surface, effects an impression both of character and dignity.
RELATED LITERATURE
G.B. Shaw, ‘Word by Bernard Shaw’, P. and D. Colnaghi (eds.), Sculpture by Prince Paul Troubetzkoy, exhib. cat. Colhaghi Gallery, London, 1931