Adrien Etienne Gaudez
(French, 1845-1902)

"Jean-Baptiste Poquelin (Moliere), Tapissier", ca. 1900

patinated bronze
incised signature at edge of self-base, a "Susse Freres" foundry mark at back, and fitted on its original bronze rotating socle base set on a marble plinth.
h. 13-3/4", w. 11", d. 8-1/2"
Notes: The great French dramatist Moliere - born Jean Baptiste Poquelin - was the son of a valet de chambre tapissier, one of several furniture restorers and upholsterers to the King of France, responsible for maintaining the furnishings of the Royal residences. This was a prestigious and often hereditary position, and the younger Poquelin was apprenticed in anticipation of following in his father's footsteps. Unfortunately for his father’s ambitions, Moliere was more interested in the theater and literature. The sculpture offered here has the young Moliere engrossed in a book, seated on an unfinished chair with an awl in one hand and the discarded cloth under the seat.

In overall very good condition with scattered nicks and areas of abrading. Surface soiling, especially in more deeply modeled areas. Some dulling to patination. Small fissure above proper right knee. Deep chocolate brown patina.