François-Christophe-Armand Toussaint French, 1806-1862 Deux Esclaves Indiens Porte Torchères

bronze, mid-brown patina, inscribed A^D TOUSSAINT 1850 and F. BARBEDIENNE FONDEUR to base.

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

Very good presentable condition. Repatinated, evidence of old wiring to underside. The male figure numbered 96585 / snao / 1260 in black ink, also incised 126 and impressed HHH to the underside. The female figure incised c=122 and p=27 to the underside
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.
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Toussaint received the Médaille de la Légion d'Honneur in 1852, most probably as a direct result of the present models. The life-size originals were commissioned by the French state on 23 February 1850 for the Palais de L'Elysée and first presented in bronze at the Salon in 1850-1851 under the number 3599. Toussaint had shown the plaster models three years earlier under number 2162. With this pair, Toussaint impressively demonstrates his remarkable vision and talent, in creating a tour-de-force of Orientalist elegance.