Belle paire de bustes d'un Couple d'Aristocrates, France, fin XVIIIe siècle, entourage d'Augustin Pajou (1730-1809)

l'homme, le regard legèrement tourné vers la gauche, les cheveux attachés en catogan, il porte un large manteau d'où sort le col d'une chemise à dentelles; sa femme, coiffée d'un diadème, la robe en dentelles decouvrant partiellement sa poitrine, un manteau drapé sur l'épaule

Very good condition overall with no visible accidents or restauration. Nose tips may have been slightly retouched, the surface of the terracotta appears to have been cleaned, a few minor chips to the edges of the drapery; the white marble bases with some veining a few minor chips to the edges. An attribution to BOUDARD seems very plausible. Very attractive busts in very good condition overall which can be highly recommended.
"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."

Par leur style et le modelé des visages, cette belle paire de bustes est à rapprocher des oeuvres d'Augustin Pajou. On remarque l'attention portée aux détails, tels les yeux finement dessinés et incisées faisant ressortir les pupilles, les sourcils épais, le haut front dégagé, avec la chevelure soigneusement modelée, et la fluidité des drapés aux plis profonds. On peut constater une certaine ressemblance avec les portraits du comte de Buffon, du dit Maréchal de Sainscy, ou encore avec celui de Pierre-Joseph Laurent réalisé vers 1760 et ayant appartenu à l'ancienne collection Jacques Doucet.