- 201
Prince Paul Troubetzkoy
Estimate
15,000 - 25,000 GBP
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Description
- Prince Paul Troubetzkoy
- Bust of Paule-Dinah Levi de Benzion
- signed and dated: Paul Troubetzkoy 1922 and stamped: C. VALSUANI / CIRE / PERDUE
- bronze, mid-brown and green patina
Provenance
commissioned by Moise or Paule-Dinah Levi de Benzion, Draveil, Seine-et-Oise
and thence by family descent to the present owner
and thence by family descent to the present owner
Condition
Overall the condition of the bronze is very good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are the remains of an old sticker to the proper right shoulder blade. There are a few very minor casting flaws.
"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
This rare and beautiful portrait bust by Troubetzkoy would have been created shortly after the sculptor's return to Europe after his long sojourn in the United States through the period of the Great War. Troubetzkoy modelled very few portrait busts and the present example is distinguished by its provenance, coming directly from Paule Levi de Benzion's family. Paule was the wife of Moise Levi de Benzion, a fabled Jewish art collector who lived in Paris and Cairo. His collection, which included famous works by Van Gogh and Corot, was plundered by Hermann Goering in 1941. Most of the works were restituted to his heirs by 1948.
The sitter's wistful expression, and the fresh modelling, compare particularly closely with Troubetzkoy's plaster bust of the Canadian actress Mary Pickford in the Museo del Paesaggio, Verbania Pallanza (inv. no. T n. 323). The present bronze is particularly appealing because of the sitter's fashionable 1920's hairstyle, which successfully evokes the glamour and optimism of the age.
RELATED LITERATURE
G. Piantoni and P. Venturoli, Paolo Troubetzkoy 1866-1938, exh. cat. Museo del Paesaggio, Verbania Pallanza, Turin, 1990, pp. 212-213, no. 173
The sitter's wistful expression, and the fresh modelling, compare particularly closely with Troubetzkoy's plaster bust of the Canadian actress Mary Pickford in the Museo del Paesaggio, Verbania Pallanza (inv. no. T n. 323). The present bronze is particularly appealing because of the sitter's fashionable 1920's hairstyle, which successfully evokes the glamour and optimism of the age.
RELATED LITERATURE
G. Piantoni and P. Venturoli, Paolo Troubetzkoy 1866-1938, exh. cat. Museo del Paesaggio, Verbania Pallanza, Turin, 1990, pp. 212-213, no. 173