Joseph Michel-Ange Pollet

Overall the condition of the bronze is good with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are areas of wear to the patina, particularly to the proper left side of the chest and shoulder blade. There is minor general rubbing including to the back of the legs. There are some splashes of dark lacquer or residues, particularly to the drapery around the legs at the front. There are a number of stable original casting joints including to the tops of the arms and above the proper right foot. There are a few small original plugs including one to the proper left forearm. There are glue residues around the hands where the lamp holder has been reattached. The lamp holder is a little loose. There are some minor paint marks. There are various small nicks and scratches, including a cluster of nicks to the proper right arm. There are some dark marks to the base, particularly at the front. There is dark spotting to the gilt metal mounts on the base, and scratching to the wood, particularly at the top. There are various dents and scuffs to the bottom of the base. The base appears to be associated. The upper sections of the base rock a little but are stable. The glass lamp is probably later, and there is solder around the screws of the lampholder.
"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."

The present model, Une heure de la nuit, has variants in marble, plaster and bronze, and is arguably Pollet's most celebrated composition. The original group, which was first seen at the Salon in 1848, achieved instant popularity and fame. In the present bronze, the composition has been cleverly adapted to serve as a torchère.

RELATED LITERATURE
S. Lami, Dictionnaire des Sculpteurs de l'École Francaise au dix-neuvieme siècle, Paris, 1916, vol. 4, p. 93; A. Le Normand-Romain, A. Pingeot and L. de Margerie, Musée d’Orsay: catalogue sommaire illustré des sculptures, Paris, 1986, p. 208