- 220
Ernest Barrias French, 1841 - 1905
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 USD
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Description
- Ernest Barrias
- La Nature se dévoilant devant la Science (Nature revealing herself to science)
- signed E. Barrias, inscribed Susse Fres Edts Paris, stamped P and with the SUSSE FRERES EDITEURS PARIS pastille
- bronze with gilt, mid-brown and greenish-brown patinas
- height: 29 1/8 in.
- 74 cm
Literature
P. Fusco and H. W. Janson, The Romantics to Rodin, exhib. cat. Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 1980, pp. 118, 120, no. 10.
Condition
In overall good condition and presentation with some wear to the finish, particularly to the edges of the base and the high relief areas of her dress.
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.
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.
Catalogue Note
Barrias exhibited the model of La Nature in white marble at the salon of 1893. This first version was entirely nude apart from the veil which hung over her head and fell to her feet at her back. Suitably, given its title, the marble was purchased by the Medical Faculty of Bordeaux. Barrias exhibited the model again in 1899 partly clothed, like the present model, and fashioned out of colored stones, fitting into the vogue for chryselephantine sculpture. The contemporary allegory of the title reflects its modernity and thinly disguises the essence of the composition: a beautiful woman undressing.