- 732
Prince Paul Troubetzkoy, 1866-1938
Estimate
10,000 - 15,000 GBP
bidding is closed
Description
- Prince Paul Troubetzkoy
- Viggo de Bretteville
- signed and dated: Paul Troubetzkoy 1917, with inscribed foundry mark Roman Bronze Works N.Y. and inventory number 1240
- bronze, green-brown patina
- height 34.5cm, 13 5/8 in.
Provenance
Acquired directly from the artist by the family of the sitter,
Thence by descent
Thence by descent
Condition
Excellent condition.
"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
Descended from a French noble family who had escaped to Denmark during the Revolution, Oscar Viggo Emil le Normand de Bretteville (1840-1922) moved with his family to San Francisco in 1871. As a member of the international European aristocracy in diaspora, de Bretteville was an appropriate subject for Troubetzkoy and no doubt was greatly pleased to have the opportunity of sitting for the famous sculptor while he was visiting the West coast of America in the late 1910s.
This opportunity was likely occasioned through the intervention of Viggo’s daughter Alma, known in local history as 'Big Alma', who maintained a lifelong interest and involvement in the arts, particularly scuplture. She, having married the wealthy sugar magnate Bernard Spreckels (thus coining the epithet 'Sugar Daddy'), was in a more suitable position to realise her father's grand pretensions.