John Singer Sargent (American, 1856-1925) Mercury Embracing Venus

Description:

John Singer Sargent (American, 1856-1925)

Mercury Embracing Venus

Initialed "JSS" and numbered "7/7" in the bronze base.
Bronze with black patina, height approximately 11 3/4 in. (29.8 cm),on a metal plinth.
Condition: Dust and dirt to the interstices, minor wear to patina at top edges of Mercury's wings.

N.B. A similar Sargent bronze statue may be found in the collection of the Sargent House Museum, Gloucester, Massachusetts. Their sculpture, which has a dark brown patina, is signed similarly but does not bear an edition number. Described as Study for Eros and Psyche, c. 1917, the Sargent House bronze was given by Violet (Sargent) Ormond in 1936. Violet was a niece of the artist. The sculpture is thought to have been a study Sargent executed in preparation for a mural commission.

Research has suggested that in the 1960s a Sargent descendant arranged for casts of some of the artist's small bronzes. It is not clear if the sculpture at hand might be one of those examples.

Estimate $10,000-15,000


The absence of a condition statement does not imply that the lot is in perfect condition or completely free from wear and tear, imperfections or the effects of aging. Condition requests can be obtained via email (lot inquiry button) or by telephone to the appropriate gallery location (Boston/617.350.5400 or Marlborough/508.970.3000). Any condition statement given, as a courtesy to a client, is only an opinion and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Skinner Inc. shall have no responsibility for any error or omission.

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