FRENCH, CIRCA 1660PROFILE OF LOUIS XIV, |

Private collection Southern France ;
Castle in the Var ;
Collection Thierry de Chirée, Provence ;
His sale Claude Aguttes, Neuilly, 29 mars 2011, Lot 44 (€33,000)

In overall very good condition with minor surface dirt consistent with age and handling. The marbled wood frame with minor chips and losses in some places. Very decorative medallion good in all details.
"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 1660, Louis XIV stayed in Avignon on his way to Saint Jean-de-Luz, where he was to be married on the 9th of June to Maria Theresa of Austria, Infanta of Spain. This medallion, formerly in a collection in the South of France, could date from this stay of the monarch in Avignon and be the work of an artist active in Provence, a dominant place for French 18th century sculpture and native region of Pierre Puget. In circa 1688, the latter carved another medallion with the profile of Louis XIV (Museum of Fine Arts in Marseille, inv. no. S193).