Jean Baptiste Paul Cabet

inscribed: LEONID[AS] and: PASSANT VAS / DIRE A LACEDEMONE / QVE NOVS REPOSONS ICI / [POV]R AVOIR OBEI A SES SAINTES LOIS

Paris, Salon, 1846, no. 2126

P. Sanhez and X. Seydoux (eds.), Les catalogues des salons, V, (1846-1850), Dijon, 2001, no. 2126

The condition of the marble is good with dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The sheath covering the shepherd's genitalia has been carved separately. There is some restoration to the rim of the shepherd's hat. There is a restoration to the middle section of the strap and the bottom section has been reattached. The top of his staff has been reattached and a plug is visible; there is a loss at the bottom. There is a small chip to the edge of the shepherd's hat and two further small chips to the base of his cloak on the reverse.There are some naturally-occuring inclusions to the surface and some veining, consistent with the material. There is some minor discolouration to the marble base, and some abrasion to the edges.
"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."

The Battle of Thermopylae took place in 480 BC and is one of the most famed stories from the history of the Persian wars, fought between the Persian Empire and an alliance of Greek city states. Sparta, renowned for its people’s ascetic and disciplinary lifestyle, led the Greek side.  King Leonidas I of Sparta resolved to block the invading Persian army at the pass of Thermopylae. However, a local resident betrayed them and conferred to the Persians knowledge of another path which emerged behind the Greek lines. The Spartan army was annihilated, but not without its 300-strong soldiers valiantly fighting to the bitter end in what is regarded as one of history’s most compelling ‘last stands’.

Jacques-Louis David’s painting of Leonidas at Thermopylae in the Musée du Louvre is one of the most famous examples of how the tale of heroism has continued to capture people’s imaginations. David worked on the composition for almost fifteen years, repeatedly producing sketches for it, and eventually completed the painting in 1814.

Cabet represents a moment after the famous Battle of Thermopylae has passed. Inscribed on the trunk of the tree is a French translation of an epigram from Greek lyric poet Simonides, which was carved on a stone placed upon the Spartan burial mound at Thermopylae:

Ὦ ξεῖν’, ἀγγέλλειν Λακεδαιμονίοις ὅτι τῇδε
κείμεθα, τοῖς κείνων ῥήμασι πειθόμενοι

[O stranger, please tell the Spartan people that here
We have been laid down, and we have remained true to our word]

The shepherd’s young and lithe body reflects something of the Spartan ideal of fortitude, while his comfortable contraposto stance reflects the epigram's restful sentiment. A shepherd is defined by his watchfulness as he tends to his flock; with this shepherd apparently standing upon the mound of the buried we understand that these distinguished soldiers have been tended to and their glorious feats of bravery and obedience are not forgotten.

Cabet was a French sculptor, distinguished in his own lifetime. He presented a bronze version of this subject at the Salon in Paris in 1844. In Dijon stands his marble sculpture Résistance: a monument to the city’s opposition to the invading German army during the war in 1870.