Agathon Léonard

Paris, Salon de la Société Nationale des Beaux Arts, 1899, as 'M.F.D., médallion, marbre'

Overall the condition of the marble is very good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is very minor veining to the marble consistent with the material, including to the left edge of the relief and to the ground below the girl's chin. There are a few small naturally occurring inclusions, including to above the girl's brow. There are some dirt marks in the girl's hair. There is also some minor wear to the high points. There are scratches and some pitting to the reverse of the relief. There is wear to the grey marble base consistent with age, including some chips and scratches to the edges and corners.
"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."

Agathon Léonard is a highly-regarded sculptor of the Art Nouveau movement. His best known works are studies of dancers whose drapery takes on organic shapes. Léonard's reliefs are rare. A bronze portrait medallion by Léonard representing Victor Peter is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (inv. no. 1995.469.1).

RELATED LITERATURE:
I. Böstge, Agathon Léonard. Le geste Art nouveau, Paris, 2003