11th Jun, 2024 10:00

Fine Interiors

 
Lot 248
 

248

A plaster of Paris model of Maison Carrée

c.1820s, French, attributed to Jean-Pierre and François Fouquet, raised on a mahogany stand with Perspex cover,
model 10.08cm wide
23.7cm deep
12.5cm high

Provenance: The Collection of Ben Weinreb (1912-1999), thence by descent to the present owner.

To find out more about the provenance of this lot, please click here.

Built in the 1st century AD in the forum of the Roman colony of Nemausus (modern-day Nîmes), the Maison Carrée is one of the earliest examples of a Roman temple which can be connected to imperial worship in the Roman provinces. It is a pseudoperipteral temple built in the Corinthian order and – according to the description given by the architectural writer Vitruvius - represents a nearly textbook example of a Roman temple

A careful reconstruction of a dedicatory inscription on the temple in 1758 led scholars to believe it was built in dedication to Augustus’s two grandsons and intended heirs - Gaius and Lucius Caesar – who, prematurely deceased, were accorded the title Princes of Youth (principes juventutis). It is regarded as one of the best-preserved examples of a Roman temple dedicated to the imperial cult in the provinces of Rome and, as a result, is a testament to the period of Rome’s transition from republic to empire.

A set of models by Fouquet can also be found in the collection of Sir John Soane's Museum. According to the records held by the Museum, Sir John Soane purchased twenty models by François Fouquet in 1834 from the architect Edward Cresy (1792-1858) who, from 1829-1835, worked in Paris. Soane paid Cresy the substantial sum of £100. It is likely that Cresy purchased the models directly from Fouquet et Fils.

Take advantage of our Sworders Delivery Service. Please see 'Shipping estimate' below.

Neoclassical and Grand Tour Works of Art

The Fine Interiors department are thrilled to be selling a selection of wonderful Neoclassical and Grand Tour works of art in our upcoming sale, which have proven to be the perfect inspiration for our catalogue cover art.

Sold for £9,000


Condition Report

Some small chips and knocks, with a evidence of a few areas of repair. Right-hand lion appears replaced. General light surface wear, dust and dirt commensurate with age and use. A hand-written 19th century paper label beneath. General wear, small knocks and losses to base. General knocks and wear to the Perspex case, which appears to have been slightly crudely re-glued. Please see additional photos.

dimensions of plaster model 10.8cm wide, 24cm deep, 12.5cm high. Dimensions including base 16cm wide, 29cm deep, 24cm high.

 

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Auction: Fine Interiors, 11th Jun, 2024

 

Our highly anticipated Fine Interiors sale has concluded with some excellent results, and we would like to thank everyone who joined us, whether online, in the saleroom, via absentee bids, or by telephone.

Amongst the highlights are a pair of neoclassical mahogany and ormolu pier tables, which achieved £24,700 after fierce bidding in the saleroom. Additionally, three expertly crafted plaster models of temples attributed to Jean-Pierre and François Fouquet, estimated at £6,000-£8,000 each, altogether resulted in £35,100. The sought-after collection of Theo and Rosemary Cutting also achieved a sale total of £107,315 which included a rosewood baby grand piano by Steinway & Sons that sold for £5,460 and a George III carved giltwood overmantel mirror which sold for £4,940.

 

Viewing

Stansted Viewing | Auction

Viewing will be held at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE, as follows:

Friday 7 June, 10am - 4pm 

Sunday 9 June, 10am - 1pm 

Monday 10 June, 10am - 4pm 

 

The auction will take place at our Stansted Auction Rooms, Cambridge Road, Stansted Mountfitchet CM24 8GE. 

 

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