- 102
After Guillaume Coustou French, 1677- 1746
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- After Guillaume Coustou
- MARIE LESZCZYNSKA AS JUNON, possibly cast by Charles Crozatier
- inventory number in black ink number 21435 to underside
- bronze, dark brown patina; on a gilt bronze base
- height 30 3/4 in.
- 78 cm
Provenance
Private collection, England
Acquired by the current consignor 1959
Acquired by the current consignor 1959
Condition
Very finely cast and chased with fine details. The bronze base finely chased. Overall in good original condition with the usual wear to the patina in places especially to high reliefs of the composition and such consistent with handling, touching, and cleaning. Light scratches consistent with age.
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
Few 18th century sculpted portraits of Marie Leczinska, or any French royal, are as honest and direct as the present model. Coustou presents Louis XV's Queen in an individualised and youthful manner, bestowing his portrait with a charm other sculptors failed to attain. The life-size marble version was commissioned in 1725 and is now, after having adorned an array of royal residencies, kept in the Louvre (MR 1813). The marble version of Marie Lezcinska as Juno was probably commissioned by the Directeur général des Bâtiments du Roi, the Duc d'Antin. Guillaume Coustou I was a logical choice as his elder brother Nicolas was already working on the pendant, Louis XV as Jupiter (Louvre, MR 1811). Upon completion in 1731 both marbles were delivered to the Duc d'Antin's Château de Petit Bourg, where they stayed until the Duke's death in 1736.