Premier Summer Sale | June 25, 2025
Wed, Jun 25, 2025 10:00AM EDT
Lot 108
After Jean Baptiste Pigalle, Mercury Fitting his Winged Sandals
Estimate: $600 - $900
Sold for
$750
Sold Price excludes BP
Bid Increments
| Price | Bid Increment |
|---|---|
| $0 | $25 |
| $100 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $2,000 | $200 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $20,000 | $2,000 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
(French, 1714-1785)
19th century casting, patinated bronze on carved red marble platform base, 20 x 11 x 10 in.
Provenance: Collection of Chris C. Kliros, Atlanta, Georgia; Brunk Auctions, Asheville, North Carolina, Virginia Private Collection
Note: Jean-Baptiste Pigalle was one of the leading sculptors of the 18th century, known for blending Baroque and emerging Neoclassical styles during the reign of Louis XV. Coming from modest beginnings, he overcame early challenges to achieve fame, largely thanks to his acclaimed marble sculpture Mercury, which secured his place in the Royal Academy and brought numerous royal commissions. Mercury became iconic for its dynamic pose, suggesting movement and energy, and remains admired for its craftsmanship and symbolism. Pigalle also created a companion piece of Venus and presented both to Frederick II of Prussia. The popularity of Mercury led to many reproductions, including porcelain versions and later bronze castings in the 19th century. Though the bronze version described here bears no maker’s mark, its quality suggests it may have been produced by Maison Barbedienne, a prominent French foundry known for high-end reproductions. Such pieces were luxury items, reflecting both artistic achievement and the evolving taste of collectors across Europe and America.
Available payment options
Purchased items will be available for pick up or shipping from our Asheville, North Carolina auction facility within ten business days of the auction, or will be assessed a storage fee of $5.00 per day, per item. Purchaser agrees that packing and shipping is done at the purchaser's risk and that the purchaser will pay in advance all packing expenses, materials, carrier fees and insurance charges. At our discretion, items will either be packed by an agent such as a packaging store or Brunk Auctions. Please allow two weeks for shipping after payment is received. Shipment of large items is the responsibility of the purchaser. We are happy to provide names of carriers and shippers if a purchaser so requests. Brunk Auctions will have no liability for any loss or damage to shipped items.
Collection of Chris C. Kliros, Atlanta, Georgia; Brunk Auctions, Asheville, North Carolina, Virginia Private Collection
bronze in good condition, chip to marble base Note - Brunk Auctions makes every effort to offer accurate and thorough information, but encourages prospective bidders to inspect items in person whenever possible. Condition statements are provided as a courtesy for general guidance and should not be considered complete or definitive. They do not represent a warranty or assumption of liability by Brunk Auctions. Certain condition issues may not be specifically noted in the report but may be visible in the accompanying photographs, which are considered part of the overall condition report. Please refer to our Terms of Sale for complete information and contact us for additional photos or information as needed.
