- 208
François-Raoul Larche
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 USD
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Description
- François-Raoul Larche
- LA TEMPÊTE ET LES NUÉES
- signed RAOUL LARCHE, Siot-Decauville seal and number 582 L, engraved bronze plaque titled THE TEMPEST / RAOUL LARCHE
- bronze, dark brown patina, raised on a green marble base
- overall height 24 in.
- 61 cm
Provenance
George F. Harding Collection
George F. Harding Museum, Chicago, 1939
Bequest of George F. Harding, 1982
George F. Harding Museum, Chicago, 1939
Bequest of George F. Harding, 1982
Literature
Dominique Renoux, 'Raoul Larche, statuaire (1860 - 1912)', Bulletin de la Société de l'Histoire de l'Art Français, 1990, pp. 243-76
Condition
Overall in fair condition and presentation with dirt to crevices. Good brown patina but with the usual minute wear to the high relief of the sculpture which is consistent with touching and cleaning. Very minute chips to marble base. Very light scratches to surface in a few places.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE 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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
When Raoul Larche exhibited his La Tempête et les nuées at the salon of 1896 he shocked and divided an art public accustomed to his typical sweet and graceful subjects. For an artist best known for his depictions of Loie Fullers' dances and lyrical allegories such as his Les Violettes, the group was certainly a departure. Clouds in the form of writhing angry nudes are led by the storm, personified as a powerful screeching woman, arms outflung to destroy everything in her path. In his review of Larche's career, Renoux was troubled by La Tempête and wondered at the artist's audacity in trying to illustrate something as 'untranslatable' and 'elusive' as a storm. On the other hand, critic Henri Rochefort claimed the piece was a masterwork and described it as 'Michelangel-esque'.
The Salon exhibit was purchased by the Ville de Paris for 13,000 francs. A bronze version over three meters tall was exhibited at the Exposition Universelle in 1900. The present reduction is a particular fine and detailed cast.
The Salon exhibit was purchased by the Ville de Paris for 13,000 francs. A bronze version over three meters tall was exhibited at the Exposition Universelle in 1900. The present reduction is a particular fine and detailed cast.
The son of an ebeniste, Larche received standard sculptural training under Jouffroy and Falguiere at the École des Beaux-Arts. He won the second Grand Prix de Rome in 1886, having only made his debut at the Salon two years before. Over the next 30 years Larche was awarded many honors and would receive an impressive crop of state and public commissions during his fairly brief career.