Agathon Léonard

Overall the condition of the bronze is good with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The quality of the casting is very good and is typical of Susse bronzes. Traces of the original red patination on the dress survive. The plants may also have once been patinated green. The arms from the bracelets downwards are cast separately and stable slightly open joints are visible. The proper left arm is slightly loose and the proper right arm may have been reattached (there is glue at the joint). There is a small pin to the bracelet on the proper left arm and a hole for a partially lost pin. There are a few spots of greening.
"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."

The present bronze is an exquisitely chased cast of Agathon Léonard’s La Javanaise. Scarves hang down the front of her body and heavy jewellery ornaments her bare chest and arms. The reverse of the model is equally fine, with rich patterning and detail to the back of the dense-looking drapery and headpiece.

Among Léonard’s most accomplished works are his stylish studies of dancers, usually rendered in gilt, such as the present bronze. His series of eight dancers exhibited at the Société Nationale des Beaux-Arts in 1897 earned him particular acclaim. Modelled in a distinctly Art Nouveau style, the women share delicate gestures, loose dresses and swirling forms. Shortly afterwards, the series was executed in porcelain by Sèvres, and won Léonard the gold medal at the Paris International Exhibition of 1900.

The present bronze represents an especially composed dancer; her position suggests a momentary pause in her dance, which allows us to appreciate the finery of her clothing. Continuing the theme of ornament, a triangle motif decorates the base, while flowers surround the dancer’s feet, echoed by the foliate decoration running down the front of her dress. The activity and detail on her vestments is beautifully offset by her stillness.

RELATED LITERATURE
I. Böstge, Agathon Léonard. Le geste Art nouveau, exh. cat. Musée d'Art et d'Industrie André-Diligent, Roubaix, Musée départemental de l'Oise, Beauvais, 2003, pp. 84-85, no. 68; E. Bénézit, Dictionnaire des peintres, sculpteurs, dessinateurs et graveurs, Gründ, 1999, vol. viii, p. 523