CHARLES-HENRI-JOSEPH CORDIER | Vénus Africaine (African Venus)

Overall the condition of the bronze is very good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The gilt bronze earrings are cast separately, and appear to be original. There is minor oxidation to the silvered bronze patina, and there is some rubbing to the patina at the high points of the drapery. There is also minor rubbing to some parts of the hair, and there is a small knock to one of the strands of hair at the back. The socle is cast separately, and a joint is slightly visible at the back: there are a few very minor original casting flaws and some scratches to the bottom edge of the bust. There is very minor pitting to the socle.
"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."

Cordier conceived his Vénus Africaine to be a pair with his bust of Saïd Abdallah, which he had created two years previously, and first presented the two together at the Great Exhibition in London in 1851. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert both much admired them. Secretly they planned to buy the busts for each other as Christmas presents. An embarassing scene was averted, Cordier recalls, by a bright 'dame du Palais' who tipped off the Prince. The casts bought by the Queen are now at Osborne House on the Isle of Wight. A version of the African Venus, with a rich brown patina, is in the Walters Art Museum, Baltimore (inv. no. 54.2665). Another version, with silvered patina on the necklace and drapery, similar to the present bust, sold at Sotheby's Paris, 22 October 2015, lot 121, for €75,000.