ROBERT-GUILLAUME DARDEL, THE DAUPHIN PRESENTED TO FRANCE, |

Patrice Bellanger Gallery, Paris.

In overall very good condition with minor surface dirt, notably in the crevices and to the back of the terracotta consistent with age and handling. The cornucopia may have been slightly retouched. The painted wooden base imitating marble with minor wear to the paint and along the edges consistent with age and handling. Very fresh and highly detailed terracotta.
"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."

A pupil of Augustin Pajou, Dardel was the sculptor of Louis Joseph de Bourbon, Prince of Condé, from 1780 to 1788. During the Revolution, he benefited from the support of Jean-Louis David and held official positions, notably in the Temporary Committee for Arts and the administration of the Museum of Versailles. Dedicated to the fame of France, Dardel was the sculptor of numerous small size terracotta allegorical subjects and made several projects of monuments. In the 1782 Salon des Correspondances, he exhibited Le Grand Condé throwing his Commander stick in the entrenchments of enemies, and running sword in hand to take it back, of which a terracotta and a bronze are in Chantilly (Musée Condé, inv. no. OA368 and OA363). Faithful to the posterity of the Grand Condé (Louis XIV's brother), Dardel exhibited in the 1786 Salon another terracotta commemorating the centenary of his death (Metropolitan Museum, New York, inv.no. 2007.179).
The new-born Dauphin in the present terracotta is presented to France, whose prosperity is symbolized by a cornucopia at her feet. By the subject and the style, this terracotta can be dated circa 1781-1785, corresponding to the two pregnancies of Marie Antoinette. From the Sackler Collection, another terracotta by Dadrel and dated 1785, Standing Woman dressed in the Antique style holding a pelican's nest, could also commemorate the birth of an heir to the throne of France (Sotheby's New York sale, 29 January 2010, lot 500).