Lot 159: A PAIR OF BRONZE FIGURES OF AESOP AND DIOGENES

A PAIR OF BRONZE FIGURES OF AESOP AND DIOGENES
AFTER PIERRE LEGROS I (1629-1714), LATE 18TH OR EARLY 19TH CENTURY
Each depicted standing in contrapposto, Aesop holding a bowl in his left hand and Diogenes holding a scroll; each on an associated rectangular gilt-bronze base; dark blackish brown patina with lighter high points
6 and 5¾ in. (15.2 and 14.6 cm.) high; 7¾ in. (19.7 cm.) high, overall (2)

No VAT will be charged on the hammer price, but VAT at 17.5% will be added to the buyer's premium which is invoiced on a VAT inclusive basis.
The figure of Aesop in the pair offered here relates very closely to a life-size lead figure of the same figure invented by Pierre Legros I, and now in the Labyrinthe in Versailles. Further comparisons can also be made with a series of bronze statuettes, often of different philosophers but modelled in the same style, such as the two figures sold in Christie's, London, 22 Nov. 2005, lot 271. The variations in these groups suggests that they were all formerly part of a decorative series of philosophers executed after Legros' original models.