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Bronze Sculpture Pan Improvisateur 1887 Felix Charpentier,Colins Fdry - $825 (Murray Hill)
34th Street near 2nd Avenue
condition:
excellent
make / manufacturer:
Felix Charpentier
model name / number:
Improateur
size / dimensions:
23.5" H x 12.5" W x 7.5" D
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Conceived 1887, it had great success at the 1887 Paris Salon followed by numerous awards, including a silver medal at the Paris World Fair (Exposition Universelle) in 1889, making this piece among Charpentier's most sought after sculptures.
The naturalistic base has the title impressed on the front, and the date and signature, ‘1887 Felix Charpentier,' and foundry mark for Colins et Cie, Paris incised on the right.
The rich chocolate-brown, bronze figure is dappled with a few subtle flexes of a teal/turquoise-colored verdigris, with heavier oxidation settled into the crevices of the base.
Worthy of Noting:
Along with comparisons to authenticated lifetime castings, the quality, level of detail, patina, weight and style of signature, and date on the sculpture, addition evidence attests this piece's authenticity as an original early casting produced during Charpentier’s lifetime, years before his death in 1924:
E. Colin & Cie was the official foundry that held the publishing rights for L'Improvisateur during Félix Charpentier’s lifetime.
The foundry continued to cast the model after his death, though it did so under an evolving corporate name and mark
- In 1906 Colins foundry was purchased by Jollet & Cie: There's evidence that castings produced after 1906 bore a combined stamp such as "Jollet et Cie / Colin & Cie
- Having only the original Colin foundry mark, the sculpture may well have produced between before 1906, given that the artists died some 18-years later.
- The Colin & Cie name is coupled the founder number, C10301, typically dated to circa 1895-1915.
Condition:
The sculpture, from an estate on Long Island, has been well cared for and is in Excellent condition. There are no chips, crack, discoloration or repairs (see photos, they're part of the description, ask any questions, request additional photo.)
As this piece is Pick-Up only, opportunity to throughly examine before making payment.
Félix Maurice Charpentier:
Charpentier was a French sculptor active in the late 19th century, a student of Alexandre Falguière, a regular exhibitor at the Salon and recipient of numerous awards and honors. Charpentier is a noted specialist in dynamic mythological groups featuring centaurs, horses, female nudes, and spiraling compositions.