catalog text
BRONZE SCULPTURE ”BUST OF DIOGENES” AFTER MODEL BY CLAUDIUS MARIOTON
Signed "Marioton sc. cis” along side, sealed with Colin & Cie foundry mark
Item # 609EUB25Z
Originally executed by Claudius Marioton in 1885 as a full length figure, it was met with some commercial success and was cast by E. Colin & Cie in several sizes, the bust form of the present example allowing it to be presented most attractively in the interior. It captures the figure of Diogenes of Sinope, a 4th Century B.C. philosopher depicted as searching the earth by lantern for one honest man. The bearded man is nearly gaunt, his body worn and showing the ravages of time and elements in the deep wrinkles and heavily set eyes, his body barely covered with only a strap tugging the garment up his shoulder. A most fine rubbed-gilt patina with black and brown in recesses leaves the figure in motion and most interesting visually. It is titled along the front of the squared plinth “DIOGENE” while being signed in the cast “Marioton sc. cis”, noting Claudius as the sculpture and chiseler for this work. The reverse is sealed with the circular foundry mark of E. Colin & Cie reading “Ane Mon Colin, Paris”. It is raised over a beautiful original marble base finished with a gilt bronze rim along the bottom edge.
Measurements: 14 1/8” total height, 10 3/8” H bust; approx. 9 3/4” W at shoulders, 7 1/2” D including lantern
Condition Report:
Light chip to front left corner of marble base, other edge roughness to marble. Patina in very fine original condition.