Rudolf Christopher Puggard Tegner

Overall the condition of the bronze is good with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is some dryness to the patina and a few scratches, including to Eros' abdomen and to Aphrodite's proper right knee. There are a few slightly visible original casting joints, including to the tops of the figures' arms and to the bow beneath Eros' hand (there are one or two small lacunae here). There are a few dirt residues, including to Aphrodite's proper right arm and to the proper right side of her body. There is greening to some of the crevices, including to above Aphrodite's proper right thigh and to between her buttocks, and to Eros' eyes. There are losses to the edges of the base, in particular at the front corners, and a number of more minor chips and abrasions.
"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."

Rudolph Tegner was born in Copenhagen, Denmark. He trained in his hometown, before moving to France to study in Paris. Here, he exhibited at the Salon and won a medal at the Paris Exposition Universelle of 1900.

Tegner was reputedly inspired to become a sculptor after visiting the Acropolis in Athens, finding himself captivated by the sculptural marvels on show. Aphrodite Guiding the Arrow of Eros is a fine homage to Tegner’s antique muse.

RELATED LITERATURE
V. Rasmussen and S. T. Truelsen, Danish sculpture 1880-1990, cat. Ny Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen, 1994, pp. 160-161, no. 108; J. Mackay, Dictionary of sculptors in bronze, Woodbridge, 2000, p. 368