Jules Dalou

Estimate

3,000 - 5,000 EUR

bidding is closed

Description

Jules Dalou
Tonnelier ; Paveur tête nue ; Casseur de pierres ; Homme appuyé sur une pelle de la main gauche ; Homme appuyé sur une pelle du côté droit ; Paveur à la demoiselle, au travail courbé
four bronzes, dark brown patina ; one bronzed plaster ; one biscuit porcelain
Signed DALOU, with foundry mark CIRE PERDUE A.-A. HEBRARD, L'homme appuyé sur une pelle numbered 11 and the Paveur tête nue numbered 5
Haut. de 8 à 17 cm; various sizes ranging from 3 1/8  in. to 6 5/8 in.

Literature

Amélie Simier, Jules Dalou, le sculpteur de la République, exh. cat. Petit-Palais, Paris, 2013, nos 176, 178, 179, 183, 197, 211.

Condition

Overall the condition of the 6 statuettes is good with minor surface dirt, particularly in the crevices, consistent with age and handling. There is minor wear to the patina at the high points of the bronze statuettes and some verdigris at several places. There is minor chips to the lower edge of the bases of the biscuit and the bronzed plaster statuettes consistent with age and handling.
"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

The models of these figurines were discovered in the sculptor's studio at his death, among many other sketches of workers, in preparation for a Monument to the Laborers which was never built.

Project for a Monument to the Laborer (1889-1902)
The worker is an essential subject in Dalou's work, who notes his desire "to undertake, without further delay, the monument that he dreams of since 1889 to the glorification of the workers. This subject is in the air; it is current and will at some point be treated by another, it is necessary to mark the day. The future is here, it is the cult meant to replace the ancient mythologies. (Maurice Dreyfous, Dalou, his life his work, Paris, 1903, pp. 248-249). In the privy of his studio, the sculptor collects sketchbooks, plans and records in the form of bozzetti modeled on the spot. Although - as Dalou understood - his most ambitious and personal project was in line with his time, it would never find the funding. The death of his wife and his declining health put a permanent brake on the project: Indeed, Dalou had to rush to complete his major commissions received in order to guarantee the financial future of his disabled daughter.