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283 - After a model by Barthelemy Prieur (circa 1536-1611), France…
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Estimate €6,000 - €8,000
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Description
After a model by Barthelemy Prieur (circa 1536-1611), France or Italy, late 17th-early 18th century Young man standing with arms raised (Narcissus) Bronze figure Standing in contrapposto; resting on an oval base and a later rectangular bronze plinth H. 21 cm (8 ¼ in.) H. (total): 22 cm (8 ½ in.) Comparative bibliography: J. Warren, The Beauty of Bronze, Ashmolean Museum, Oxford, Gutenberge Press, Malta, 2024, N°67. London, Daniel Katz Gallery, Renaissance and Baroque Bronzes from the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge, 11Jun. - 19 Jul.2002, V. Avery ed. pp. 190-191, no. 28. New York, The Frick Collection, European Bronzes from the Quentin Collection, 28 Sep. 2004 - 2 Jan. 2005, M. Leithe-Jasper and P. Wengraf eds, pp. 108 and 110, no. 8. A bronze figure of standing Youth with Raised Arms, after a model by Barthelemy Prieur (circa 1536-1611), French or Italian, late 17th-early 18th century The elegant silhouette of this young man, known from several versions, testifies to the seductive power of this graceful yet enigmatic figure. Sometimes identified as Narcissus, it seems to reflect an ideal of beauty rather than a specific subject. This small bronze sculpture is closely related to Michelangelo's Dying Slave, designed for the tomb of Pope Julius II and itself inspired by an ancient model. Michelangelo's two 'Slaves', which arrived in France around 1550, were displayed at the end of the 16th century in niches in the façade of the Château d'Écouen, where they could easily be studied. We know of several versions preserved in museums such as the Ashmolean Museum (WA1977.215), one of the most accomplished attributed to Prieur, alongside other remarkable examples in Cambridge, London and Houston. An example similar to our bronze attributed to Prieur's workshop was sold at Christie's in New York on 28 January 2015, lot 73 ($16,250). An X-Ray Fluorescence analysis of the composition of the alloy was carried out in 2025 and is available on request. *Information for buyers : Lot from outside the EU: The hammer price is exclusive of VAT. VAT at the reduced rate of 5.5% applies to the auction. This VAT is recoverable for French professionals. It is reimbursable for a buyer from outside the EU on presentation of proof of export from the EU or for a professional buyer with an intra-Community VAT number and a document proving delivery in the Member State. *Information to the buyers : Lot from outside the EU : The hammer price and premium will be VAT excluded. 5.5% VAT will be added to the hammer price and premium. Upon request, this VAT can be refunded to the purchaser on presentation of written proof of exportation outside EU, or to the EU purchaser who will submit his intracommunity VAT number and a proof of shipment to an EU country.
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About the sale Furniture and Works of Art - Sale of the day (Lot 171-Fin)
Auction location
Auction time 06/17/2026 at 2:00 PM
Pictures credits: Contact the Auction House
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