catalog text
ALFRED-DESIRE LANSON (FRENCH, 1851-98) ANTIQUE BRONZE SCULPTURE
JASON AND THE GOLDEN FLEECE (or "Jason rapport ant la Toison d'or")
Signed "Lanson Scpt" front, "Susse Freres Edt." en verso with two Susse seals
Item # 1403JOP05-S
This is a truly exceptional museum quality antique bronze sculpture of "Jason and the Golden Fleece" after a model by Alfred-Desire Lanson. It is probably cast at least a few years after his death, the original being exhibited in 1876, but much of the work Susse put forth was post 1895 and it is likely the case with this example. A compelling work, the same model is held by several museum collections and is considered the defining work of Lanson's career. The patina quality is quite vigorous, a wealth of variated browns, golds, blacks and greens melded under several layers of conserving wax. The detail throughout is without flaw, his tense furling hair, the perfect form of the sword, the muscular anatomy free of any pitting or surface blemish (other than the sticker residue under wax on the back of his thigh - this could be easily repaired by any professional conservator removing the wax and carefully removing the residue). For any serious collector of investment grade works, this is an outstanding selection.
Noteworthy Sales
- Christies, sale 5702, lot 487 (the 75.5 cm edition of Jason by Susse Freres), $12,670
Measurements: 29 5/8" (75.5cm) high x 15" wide x 9" deep
Condition Report:
Old sticker residue on back of thigh under later wax. Spots of very light patina wear in handled areas: feet, legs, hair (all very minor).