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THBAfter Jean-Antoine Houdon, Bronze
About Seller
PO Box 2135
Asheville, NC 28802
United States
Based in Asheville, North Carolina, Brunk Auctions has been conducting sales of fine and decorative arts for over 30 years. Auctions are held in our North Carolina sale room but attracts a global audience. Founded by Robert Brunk in 1983, the auctions became well known for their integrity and profes...Read more
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About Auction
LiveJun 25, 2025
Offering over 70 pieces of Chinese Export porcelain from the private collection of John Suval. Fine art highlights include Santiago Carbonell’s Encuentro Solar, Edouard Leon Cortes’ Quai du Louvre Animé, and Francoise Gilot’s Olivier dans le Vent. Exceptional Georgian silver features a George V tea service and a George III tray with Coat of Arms, totaling 159 troy oz. Also presenting Southern furniture, two corner cupboards with MESDA documentation, Philip Simmons wrought iron window grills, Mark Twain autograph edition, a group of French automatons and other fine decorative arts. Brunk Auctions support@brunkauctions.com
View Full Catalog (197)
- Lot Description
(French, 1741-1828)
Bust of Molière (Jean-Baptiste Poquelin), unsigned, foundry mark "F. Barbedienne. Fonduer" with stamp "Reduction Mechanique A. Collas Brevete", patinated bronze on two marble bases, 12-1/2 x 8-1/4 x 6-5/8 in.
Provenance: A Tennessee Collector; Brunk Auctions, Asheville, North Carolina, Virginia Private Collection
Note: Jean-Baptiste Pigalle was a significant figure in 18th-century French sculpture, known for integrating elements of both Baroque and emerging Neoclassical styles. Rising from modest beginnings, he gained recognition with his sculpture Mercury, a work notable for its dynamic composition and technical precision. This piece secured his place within the Royal Academy and led to important commissions from prominent patrons, including members of the royal court. Mercury became widely admired for its portrayal of poised movement and balance, contributing to Pigalle's lasting reputation. The sculpture was later reproduced in various materials, including porcelain and bronze, and became a sought-after model in both European and American collections. The bronze example referenced here, though lacking a foundry mark, is of high quality and may be attributed to a leading 19th-century French foundry known for producing editions of popular works. Pigalle’s contributions reflect the artistic transitions of his time and his role in shaping French sculpture before the Revolution.
- Provenance
A Tennessee Collector; Brunk Auctions, Asheville, North Carolina, Virginia Private Collection
- Shipping Info
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Purchased items will be available for pick up or shipping from our Asheville, North Carolina auction facility within ten business days of the auction, or will be assessed a storage fee of $5.00 per day, per item. Purchaser agrees that packing and shipping is done at the purchaser's risk and that the purchaser will pay in advance all packing expenses, materials, carrier fees and insurance charges. At our discretion, items will either be packed by an agent such as a packaging store or Brunk Auctions. Please allow two weeks for shipping after payment is received. Shipment of large items is the responsibility of the purchaser. We are happy to provide names of carriers and shippers if a purchaser so requests. Brunk Auctions will have no liability for any loss or damage to shipped items.
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- Condition
light brown to brown patination, small abrasions, some chips to marble base, surface dirt, bronze loose on base Note - Brunk Auctions makes every effort to offer accurate and thorough information, but encourages prospective bidders to inspect items in person whenever possible. Condition statements are provided as a courtesy for general guidance and should not be considered complete or definitive. They do not represent a warranty or assumption of liability by Brunk Auctions. Certain condition issues may not be specifically noted in the report but may be visible in the accompanying photographs, which are considered part of the overall condition report. Please refer to our Terms of Sale for complete information and contact us for additional photos or information as needed.
