- 68
Prosper d' Epinay
Description
- Prosper d' Epinay
- Les Trois Heures de la Vie (The Three Hours of Life)
- signed: P. D'EPINAY. ROME
- white marble
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."
Catalogue Note
Based on a full-scale chimneypiece, measuring 217 centimeters high, the present group of Les Trois Heures de la Vie is a supremely elegant allegory for the three hours of the day, which serve as allegories for the three stages of life: youth, maturity, and old age. While Morning and Dusk are represented as languid, reclining nudes, the dynamic Midday stands holding a lit torch, her dress billowing. Most known versions of the Trois Heures were created around the year 1882, and usually mounted as a clock. The present group, however, shows a roundel with the face of Mercury, or Hermes, where a clock is usually placed. The face of Mercury in the present context is highly appropriate, as he was not only the messenger of the Gods, but was also thought to be responsible for conducting souls to the underworld. With its exquisite drapery and beautiful details, the present group is representative of Prosper d'Epinay's oeuvre.
RELATED LITERATURE
P. Roux-Foujols, Prosper d'Épinay: Un sculpteur mauricien à la cour des princes, Ile Maurice, 1996, pp. 98-9