Lot 60: A PAIR OF CARVED IVORY BUSTS OF VOLTAIRE AND MONTESQUIEU

A PAIR OF CARVED IVORY BUSTS OF VOLTAIRE AND MONTESQUIEU
BY CLAUDE ANTOINE ROSSET (D. 1818), CIRCA 1790-1800
Each on an associated cylindrical alabaster pedestal; Voltaire signed to the reverse 'A:ROSSET. á St. Claude', Montesquieu signed 'A: ROSSET'; very minor damages and repairs
3 and 3 1/8 in. (7.5 and 8 cm.) high; 6¾ and 7 in. (17 and 17.7 cm.) overall (2)

Prospective purchasers are advised that several countries prohibit the importation of property containing materials from endangered species, including but not limited to coral, ivory and tortoiseshell. Accordingly, prospective purchasers should familiarize themselves with relevant customs regulations prior to bidding if they intend to import this lot into another country.
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.
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For an almost identical pair of busts by Rosset in the Louvre, see P. Malgouyres, Ivoires du musée du Louvre 1480-1850, une collection inédite', Paris, 2005, nos. 51 and 51.