Bacchus et Amphitrite, France, XVIIIe siècle, d'après les modèles de Louis Garnier (1638-1728) et Michel Anguier (1612-1686)

V. Krahn, Von allen Seiten schön. Bronzen der Renaissance und des Barock, cat. exp. Berlin, 1995-1996, p. 568-569, n° 218 et 219.

Very good and crisp casts, in very good condition overall with warm brown patina and a fine translucent lacquer. Some wear to the patina consistent with age and handling. One casting joint visible to Bacchus' proper left thigh. Each bronze bears a drilling hole in its where it must have been attached to a base. Very fine bronzes
"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."

L'Amphitrite tranquille appartient à la série des huit divinités illustrant les tempéraments et les passions, réalisées en 1652 à la demande de Pierre Le Tessier de Montasy. En 1676, elle fut décrite par Michel Anguier dans sa conférence de la façon suivante , 'fraiche, délicat, claire et transparente, son visage agréable et tout le reste de son corps de mesme'. L'attribution du Bacchus à Louis Garnier (1638-1728) a été établie sur la base d'une gravure de Louis Deplace (1682-1728). Dès 1699, ces deux sujets se trouvent en paire lorsque Auguste le Fort les acquiert à Paris pour sa collection de bronzes (cf. V. Krahn, op. cit.).