JEAN-BAPTISTE CARPEAUX
French, 1827-1875

Napoléon à Sainte-Hélène

Patinated bronze | Signed "CARPEAUX" to base, two pastilles for Susse and signed in cast "Susse Fr. Edt. Paris, cold-stamped "FRANCE""

Item # 110KHP18P 

This rare and fine sketch model was originally conceived by Carpeaux in 1864 as a study for the painter Pierre Giraud the same year Carpeaux was introduced to the cousin of Napoléon III, Princess Mathilde. The model was edited posthumously by Susse Freres and cast in bronze using the lost-wax method. These serial casts are scarce and are represented in the permanent collections of the Musée d'Orsay, the Hirshhorn Museum and the Cleveland Art Museum among others. The present model retains an original complex surface patina ranging from a golden-brown to dark-brown with traces of verdigris. The signature is captured directly from the mold to the left of Napoleon's foot ("CARPEAUX") and it is incised "Susse Fr. Edt. Paris" along the back with two accompanying foundry pastilles; it is cold-stamped "V" and "FRANCE".

Artist Listings & Bibliography:

• Musée d'Orsay, acc. no. RF 4317
• Cleveland Museum of Art, acc. no. 1917.371
• Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, acc. no. 66.825
• Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, sculpteur: catalogue raisonné de l'oeuvre édité, Poletti & Richarme, 2003, p. 179
• Nineteenth Century French Sculpture: Monuments for the Middle Class, J.B. Speed Art Museum, 1971, p.67, no.21

Measurements: 8 1/4" H x 6 3/4" D x 7" W; base 4" D x 5" W

Condition Report:
Excellent original condition, no observed flaws. Cleaned, sealed in conservator wax and polished, a very fine presentation.