Claude-Antoine Rosset, 1749-1818 Voltaire (1694-1778) et Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778)

G. Barbier, B. Gaulard, M.-L. Pierre, Les Rosset, un atelier jurassien au temps des Lumières, cat. exp., Dôle, musée des Beaux-Arts, 2001, pp. 31-33 et p. 67, cat. n° 37.

Fairly good condition overall with surface dirt and few minor chips to the edges consistent with age and handling. One chip to Rousseau's forehead and chips on the draperies for both. Natural grey veining and inclusion. There appears to be old repairs to the lower back and underside of Rousseau. This pair of busts is probably alabaster and not marble. On ebonizes wooden socles with few dents and scratches. One with a larger vertical fissure.
"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."

Issus d'une dynastie de sculpteurs sur albâtre et ivoire du Jura, Claude-Antoine est le benjamin de Jean-François-Joseph Rosset. Un corpus d'une quinzaine d'oeuvres lui est actuellement attribué, dont seulement sept sont signées.