- 130
Jean-Léon Gérôme French, 1824 - 1904
Estimate
5,000 - 7,000 USD
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Description
- Jean-Léon Gérôme
- Caesar franchissant le Rubicon
- signed J.L. GEROME, inscribed F. BARBEDIENNE, Fondeur, Paris, FRANCE.
- bronze, dark brown patina with green hue
- height 15 in.; width 18 in.
- 38 cm; 46 cm
Literature
Gérald Ackerman, The Life and Work of Jean-Léon Gérôme, Paris, 1986, pp. 326-7, no. S.54
Condition
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
Here, in one of his last sculptures, Gérôme returns to the central character of his seminal painting: The Death of Caesar. However, instead of the abject defeat and death of the general the artist here recreates his ascent to power. Created in 1900, four decades after the painting, the sculpture deals with the decisive moment when Julius Caesar crossed the boundary between Cisapline Gaul and Roman Italy proper. In this action he unlawfully excercised imperium, a crime punishable by death. This irreversable step caused him to utter the immortal line "Alea iacta est". Julius Caesar's march on Rome caused his rival Pompey and the majority of the Senate to flee the city and Caesar soon gained victory in the civil war.
Gérome takes full advantage of the dramatic potential of the subject. Caesar wades through the lapping waters of the river and onto the reeded banks of the Italian side. A great wind ruffles the horse's mane and tail and whips Caesar's cloak above his head. The general's face is a study in focus and determination.
The model was cast in two sizes by Siot-Decauville. Another version is in the National Gallery of Canada, Ontario.
Gérome takes full advantage of the dramatic potential of the subject. Caesar wades through the lapping waters of the river and onto the reeded banks of the Italian side. A great wind ruffles the horse's mane and tail and whips Caesar's cloak above his head. The general's face is a study in focus and determination.
The model was cast in two sizes by Siot-Decauville. Another version is in the National Gallery of Canada, Ontario.