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WORKSHOP OF ÉTIENNE MAURICE FALCONET (1716-1791), FRENCH, LATE 18TH / EARLY 19TH CENTURY, | Bather or Nymph at the bath
Estimate
15,000 - 20,000 EUR
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Description
- Bather or Nymph at the bath
- marble
- H. 82 cm; 32 1/3 in.
Literature
RELATED LITERATURE
G. Scherf, Falconet à Sèvres (1757-1766) ou l'art de plaire, exh. cat. musée national de la Céramique, Sèvres, 2001, pp. 92-94.
G. Scherf, Falconet à Sèvres (1757-1766) ou l'art de plaire, exh. cat. musée national de la Céramique, Sèvres, 2001, pp. 92-94.
Condition
The marble with minor surface dirt overall, notably in the crevices, and natural green veining and natural inclusions visible in some places. Her proper left big toe with a restored break and the tip of the following toe slightly retouched. There are a few minor chips to the high points in some places and along the lower edge of the base. There are two small losses to the roses on her hairband. Otherwise in very good condition, very attractive with a good finishing of the surface.
"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."
"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
In 1757, Falconet took over the direction of sculpture at the Manufacture of Sèvres. The same year he exhibited at the Salon his Nymph at the bath, inspired by a painting by François Lemoyne. It was so successful that it was made in biscuit the following year and replicated several times by himself and his contemporaries, including Jean-Pierre Antoine Tassaert. Falconet brought a plaster model with him to Russia, now in the Hermitage. An autograph marble from the property of Madame du Barry in Louveciennes is in the Louvre (inv. no. M. 1846). Another marble with the same details as the present one, including the roses in the nymph's hair, is in the Victoria and Albert Museum (81 cm high, inv. no. 1131-1882)(fig. 1).
The nascent femininity of the nymph, her discreet sensuality and her references to the Antique - notably in her hairstyle – are characteristic of Falconet's later works.
The nascent femininity of the nymph, her discreet sensuality and her references to the Antique - notably in her hairstyle – are characteristic of Falconet's later works.