René Lalique

Private European Collection
Acquired from the above by the present owner, circa 2000

Félix Marcilhac, René Lalique, 1860-1945: maître-verrier: analyse de l'oeuvre et catalogue raisonné, Paris, 2011, pp. 115 and 441

Overall very good original condition. The glass with a few air bubbles and minor particulate inclusions inherent in its production and not visually distracting. The surface with very few minor scratches, the longest located to the left proper pectoral of one figure, measuring approximately ½ in. and is not visually distracting. The areas near the ankles of a few of the figures with isolated faint and minor bronze coloured surface marks, not visually distracting, and could be removed with professional attention. Scattered minor surface scuffs and scratches to the underside of the base. A masterful and rare design. Please contact the 20th Century Design department for additional photographs of the vase showing the grey coloration.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This rare “Palestre” vase showcases the magnificent narrative style and attention to detail with which Lalique executed his work. The artist sets the scene with a gathering of men at a palaestra, or a wrestling school from ancient Grecian times. Depicting this group of athletes with an impressive sense of verisimilitude, Lalique exalts each character with his own sense of individuality evident in details from posture to hairstyle. Some figures take boastful pleasure in showing off their strength and physicality, while others remain reservedly observant or find themselves in more collegial interactions. These distinct interpersonal relationships between the wrestlers replicate the social ambiance that such a public sphere would historically facilitate, and Lalique’s very depiction of these classically ideal nudes pays homage to the traditional Greco-Roman vases that preceded Lalique’s body of artistic glasswork.

This particular “Palestre” model appears infrequently in gray, adding an air of elusive exclusivity to its distinctive charm. A similar example in dark gray was once in the collection of the entrepreneur and Art Deco collector Steven A. Greenberg and sold at auction in 2012 for over $350,000.