François-Christophe-Armand Toussaint French, 1806-1862

bronze, mid-brown patina with gilt highlights, signed A^D. TOUSSAINT SCULPTEUR and GRAUX MARLY FAB^T. DE BRONZES

Pierre Kjellberg, Bronzes of the 19th Century: Dictionary of Sculptors, London, 1994, p. 628

Overall very good condition and presentation. Of rich color and patination. There is some minor rubbing to the gilt areas, and areas of drapery folds, as well as some minor dust in recesses and label residue in one or two places. There is some minor-moderate scratching to the sides of each face where the earrings have made contact,.One or two other light surface scratches elsewhere - more so to the bases, none of which contribute a loss to the overall decorative appeal.
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.

Toussaint studied under David D'Angers at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris following his admission in 1827. A skilled sculptor, he received the Grand Prix de Rome four years later with a figure titled Canapée foudroyé sous les murs de thèbes. He received the Médailles de la Légion d'Honneur in 1852, most probably as a direct result of the present models. Commissioned by the French state for the Palais de L'Elysée and first presented in bronze at the Salon in 1850-1851 (no. 3599), Toussaint had shown the plaster models three years earlier. Representing a tour-de-force of Orientalist elegance, these models demonstrate the remarkable vision and talent that earned Toussaint his Légion d'Honneur title.