- 922
A French Terracotta Relief depicting The Toilette of Venus, in the manner of Claude Michel, called Clodion (1738-1814), late 18th/early 19th century
Estimate
8,000 - 12,000 USD
bidding is closed
Description
- signed: CLODION
- terracotta, in a gilt and polychromed wood frame
- late 18th/early 19th century
numbered: 1800 J. in black ink on the reverse and: B-121 in red chalk on the frame, with various labels
Provenance
Hôtel Drouot Paris, 28 June 1988, lot 6
Condition
General surface abrasions and minor losses, particularly in higher relief areas such as hair of figs. Some traces of a rust colored stain or polychromy in a few areas.
Some hairline cracks on the surface that may have resulted in breaks on the left side upper corner into the sky. There is a smaller repaired break in the upper left corner and upper right corner. The restoration to these areas is virtually invisible to the naked eye. There are some cracks and chips to frame. Stable condition and beautiful quality
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.
Catalogue Note
Clodion used an amalgamation of techniques to produce his terracotta reliefs. Here, the panel is modeled in low relief, the figures are outlined with a stylus and other figures are drawn into the wet clay. Well known followers of Clodion, such as Marin, used the master's method of working and modeling to produce their own works as well as imitations of Clodion's style.
Bacchanalian scenes populated with satyrs, nymphs and putti performing various tasks while reveling in the moment were subjects popular with Clodion and his circle.
Bacchanalian scenes populated with satyrs, nymphs and putti performing various tasks while reveling in the moment were subjects popular with Clodion and his circle.