France, premier quart du XVIIIe siècle Paire de Profils de Minerve et Hercule

Hercule coiffé d'une couronne de feuilles de chêne, la dépouille du lion de Némée sur son épaule ; Minerve portant un casque ailé au serpent ; les cadres ovales en bronze doré sommés d'un ruban noué

REFERENCE BIBLIOGRAPHIQUE
The French Bronzes. 1500 to 1800, cat. exp. Knoedler & Co, New York, 1968, n° 39.

The medallions are in good condition overall. The 18th century giltbronze profiles finely cast with wear to the gilding and scratches to the surface at several places, in particular to the hair, cheek and neck, consistent with age and handling. A few circular plugs visible to the bronze. The later giltbronze frames with minor wear and some stains of oxidation. A few minor scratches to the porphyry background. Both with traces of previous restoration (cracks filled in).
"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."

Un profil d'Hercule du même modèle a été exposé à New York en 1968, chez Knoedler & Co, comme France, 1er quart du XVIIIe siècle. Il était mis en rapport avec le profil de Bacchus en bronze doré figurant sur une armoire alors attribuée à André-Charles Boulle et conservée à la Wallace Collection (inv. n° F63).