- 92
Louis-Ernest Barrias
Estimate
20,000 - 30,000 GBP
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Description
- Louis-Ernest Barrias
- La Nature se dévoilant devant la science (Nature revealing herself to Science)
- signed: E. Barrias, inscribed: Susse Fres Edrs. Paris., with the: SUSSE FRERES EDITEURS PARIS pastille and the: Syndicat des Fabrts. de Bronzes 1818 Unis France pastille
- bronze, gilt and green patina, and tinted white marble, on a veined dark green marble base
Condition
Overall the condition of the sculpture is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is a slightly visible joint in the marble at the proper right hand. There are some restored naturally occurring inclusions to the marble at the proper left breast. There are relatively minor dirt marks to the marble, and some possible paint restorations to the surface. The polychromy appears to be original. There is minor dark spotting to the silvered and gilt bronze patina throughout. There is also some greening, including to the silvered patina at the back where the hood meets the back. There are minor polish residues. The object is composed in sections, with the marble slotted into the bronze matrix; hood, scarab beetle applique and base are also separately made. There are minor naturally occurring inclusions to the marble base, and there are some minor chips and abrasions including to the back.
"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."
"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."
Catalogue Note
Barrias exhibited the model of La Nature in white marble at the salon of 1893. This first version was entirely nude apart from the veil which hung over her head and fell to her feet at her back. Suitably, given its title, the marble was purchased by the Medical Faculty of Bordeaux. Barrias exhibited the model again in 1899 partly clothed, like the present model, and fashioned out of coloured stones, fitting into the vogue for chryselephantine sculpture. The contemporary allegory of the title reflects its modernity and thinly disguises the essence of the composition: a beautiful woman undressing.
RELATED LITERATURE
P. Fusco and H. Janson, The Romantics to Rodin, exh. cat. Los Angeles, 1980, pp. 118-120, no. 10
RELATED LITERATURE
P. Fusco and H. Janson, The Romantics to Rodin, exh. cat. Los Angeles, 1980, pp. 118-120, no. 10