Decorative Arts & Design

November 2126, 2020
Auction begins to close at 2:00 pm ET

Online Auction
LOT 380

Lot 380

Vincenzo Vela (Italian, 1820-1891)

Vincenzo Vela (Italian, 1820-1891)
Lot 380 Details
Vincenzo Vela (Italian, 1820-1891)

THE LAST DAYS OF NAPOLEON

patinated bronze, signed, incised F. Barbedienne Fondeur, Paris and with A. Collas Reduction seal and on variegated dark green marble base
18 x 11.4 x 17.5 in — 45.7 x 29 x 44.5 cm

Estimate $3,000-$4,000

Realised: $14,400
Price Includes Buyer's Premium ?

Lot Report

Additional Images
Vincenzo Vela (Italian, 1820-1891)
  • Vincenzo Vela (Italian, 1820-1891)
  • Vincenzo Vela (Italian, 1820-1891)
  • Vincenzo Vela (Italian, 1820-1891)
Note:

Swiss by birth, the sculptor Vela is now considered by art historians to be one of the greatest of Italian sculptors. Together with Canova and his imitators, he produced neo-classical sculptures, and later turned to "verismo", the Italian sculpture movement that combined realism with psychological insight.

This piece is a smaller copy in bronze of Vela’s original. It exemplifies "verismo": the haggard face of the prisoner of Saint Helena shows regret and bitterness over past defeats. His fist on the map indicates the terrain of his doomed Russian campaign. Vela was sufficiently distant in time from his subject to be able to present a realistic, anti-romantic portrayal of the fallen Emperor, restrained and subtle. The marble sculpture caused a sensation at the Universal Exposition of 1867. The Franco-Prussian War was raging, and there was widespread nostalgia for the First Empire. Napoleon III purchased the work at first sight. -MMFA

CONDITION DETAILS

A fine casting in very good condition, with rich dark green-brown patina.

LOT 380
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About Condition Ratings

  • 5 Stars: Excellent - No discernable damage, flaws or imperfections
  • 4 Stars: Very Good - Minor flaws or imperfections visible only under close inspection using specialised instruments or black light
  • 3 Stars: Good - Minor flaws visible upon inspection under standard lighting
  • 2 Stars: Fair - Exhibits flaws or damage that may draw the eye under standard lighting
  • 1 Star: Poor - Flaws or damage immediately apparent under standard lighting (examples: missing components, rips, broken glass, damaged surfaces, etc.)

Note: Condition ratings and condition details are the subjective opinions of our specialists and should be used as a guide only. Waddington’s uses due care when preparing condition details, however, our staff are not professional restorers or conservators. Condition details and reports are not warranties and each lot is sold “as is” in accordance with the buyer’s terms and conditions of sale. In all cases the prospective purchaser is responsible for inspecting the property themselves prior to placing a bid.