Auguste Rodin

Marie Bengesco, Paris
Private Collection, Romania (by descent from the above)
Private Collection, France (acquired from the above circa 1920)
Acquired from the above by the present owner

Cécile Goldschneider, Auguste Rodin, Catalogue raisonné de l'œuvre sculpté, 1840-1886, Paris, 1989, vol. I, no. 118, illustration of the plaster version p. 157

Attractive patina with bronze tones. There is some dust in the crevices and light surface wear consistent with age and handling. There are a few very small casting flaws in the bronze and a small line of loss to the patina (approx. 3mm) both to the woman's neck. This work is in very good condition.
"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."

Marie Bengesco was a member of the Romanian high society in Paris and hosted a salon for Romanian intellectuals at the Quai Voltaire. Rodin gifted Marie Bengesco a plaster model of her portrait from which she commissioned five bronze casts, gifting them to her friends, family and to the Bucharest Museum. The Musée Rodin has a terracotta version of this model.