- 43
Paire de grandes chimères en fonte de fer, travail français de la première moitié du XVIIIe siècle
Estimate
40,000 - 60,000 EUR
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Description
- Haut. 48 cm, larg. 122 cm, prof. 40 cm
- Height 19 in; width 48 in; depth 15 3/4 in
la gueule entre-ouverte, les ailes déployées, reposant sur des pattes palmées ; (restauration à deux pieds)
Condition
The illustration of the catalogue is accurate. Good overall condition despite a foot is later and another one partly later and they have been recreated with modern composite material which has been glued.
The surface is dusty with a few eusty traces. One mouth is fitted with a water hole.
Very rare and impressive model.
"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
Animal mythologique décrit en premier par Homère, la chimère fascina l’ère baroque, avide d’étrange et d’exotisme. Jean I Bérain, dessinateur de la Chambre et du cabinet du Roi au sein des Menus Plaisirs à partir de 1674, en fut l’un des grands promoteurs dans ses compositions à la fin du règne de Louis XIV, que ce soit pour sur des aiguières, des pendules ou des sculptures de jardin.
Parmi ces dernières, citons celles en plomb peint au naturel inspirées par les fables d’Esope qui ornaient le labyrinthe du parc de Versailles créé en 1677. Détruit en 1775 pour laisser place au Bosquet de la reine, subsiste une chimère qui n’est pas sans rappeler notre paire. De même, les deux chimères affrontées exécutées par le sculpteur Jean Hardy (1653-1737) ornant Le bassin du Plat-fond du Grand Trianon est aussi orné de deux chimères affrontées exécutées par Jean Hardy (1653-1737), incarnant cet art versaillais qui influence aussi bien l’entourage du roi que les princes européens.