After a model by Martin van den Bogaert, called Desjardins (1637-1694) French, early 19th century

noble family, Belgium

Overall the condition of the bronze is good, with some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There is minor rubbing to the lacquer patina at the high points, including to the King's face. There are a few areas of flaking to the lacquer patina, notably to the horse's head, its proper left front leg, its neck on the proper left side, its proper left hind leg, and to the king's proper left arm. There are a few nicks and scratches to the bronze, including to the proper right haunch. There is some dark spotting in a few areas, in particular to the horse's chest, the proper left haunch and to the King's face. The horse's tail is cast separately, and the joint is slightly unstable. There are a few small lacunae due to casting flaws, notably between the saddle and the horse's mane on the proper left side. There is some staining to the bronze base. The reins are largely lost and the remaining section in the proper right hand is loose. The condition of the base is good overall, with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are several losses to the bronze inlay, both on the tortoiseshell and the wood. Some of the bronze inlay on the tortoiseshell at the back has detached slightly, and one piece is loose. There is wear to the gilding throughout. Some of the joints at the corners are slightly open but stable. There is a loss to the bottom panel of wood at the back of the base and there are a few small chips to the wood and to the tortoiseshell.
"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."

This equestrian group of Louis XIV on horseback is one of the most popular of the King.  It is based on the Marcus Aurelian model, which Desjardin modified for Louis XIV. The monument took a Herculean effort on the part of the sculptor as well as the founder Roger Scabol to complete.  The finished monument was erected in Paris in 1713 long after Desjardin's death.  Unfortunately, the monument was destroyed during the Revolution.  The success of the model is illustrated by the numerous small-scale replicas cast from the 18th century onwards.

RELATED LITERATURE
F. Souchal, French Sculptors of the 17th and 18th centuries. The reign of Louis XIV, London/ Boston, 1993, vol. 1, pp. 258-9, no. 47; R. Wenley, French Bronzes in the Wallace Collection, London, 2002, no. 50, pp. 50-2