catalog text
CHARLES GEORGES FERVILLE-SUAN
French, 1847-1925
"Fauconniere XVe Siecle" (1880)
Patinated bronze | Signed in script "Ferville Suan 1880", incised to front plaque "6328 Salon 1880 Fauconniere XVe Siecle"
Item # 111RLU11P
A very finely cast model of Ferville-Suan's 15th Century Falconer, the sculpture was presented at the Paris Salon of 1880 and was thereafter cast predominantly in the present 41" dimension. Large and substantial, it is a gentle subject that captures the relationship between the aristocratic young woman and her beloved bird. The casting quality is above reproach with very fine details captured directly from the mold and represented with crisp clarity in the bronze surface. The model is finished in an overall brown surface patina with subtle hints of reddish undertones sealed under beeswax. A glowing and powerful presentation.
Artist Market Notes:
- See Christie's, August 5th, 2003, lot 338 for Fauconniere reworked as a torchiere together with a male counterpart, 41" high, achieved 28,200 AUD (approx. $ 18,300 USD at time of sale)
- See Sheppard's Irish Auction House, November 28th, 2018, lot 889, achieved 7500 euros with premium (approx. $ 6600 USD at time of sale)
- See John Nicholson Auctioneers, March 28th, 2015, lot 840, achieved 6096 GBP (approx. $ 9100 USD at time of sale)
Measurements: 41" H to top of bird's wings x 12 7/8" D [base] x 15 1/2" W [at widest point to bird's wings] x 11" W [base]
Condition Report: Trace wear to original patina (hand holding falcon, rubbed wear to the head-covering, light wear to raised relief and elements, other minor wear). A well-preserved model.