Seated Venus. Barthelemy Prieur (1536-1611) Workshop of. Mercury-gilt bronze

14.3 x 9.5 x 7 cm

Barthelemy Prieur was the official sculptor of Henry IV, King of France.

In addition to creating monumental projects for the crown, such as royal tombs, he ran a prolific foundry dedicated to casting exquisite and sensual bronze statuettes. Nude women drying themselves, combing their hair, or "pulling" thorns from their heels were the master's favorite subjects. These enriched collectors' studios with vaguely voyeuristic touches.

The Venus presented here is part of this group and some versions, in addition to the one in Berlin, are preserved in private collections and museums.

Even after the sculptor's death, the foundry continued to cast these enchanting Venuses, in addition to the well-known encomiastic busts depicting King Henry IV and his wife, Marie de' Medici.

Since these are almost always foundry collaborations, the authenticity of any ancient bronze is always subject to certain documentation or the opinions of the great experts on duty.

Our bronze statuette is undoubtedly of excellent quality due to the meticulous chiseling of the details and the vibrant ancient gilding, perfectly preserved.

We believe it came from the Prieur's workshop, perhaps in the 17th century.

Bibliography:
Volker Krahn, Von Allen Seiten Schon, exhibition catalogue, Berlin, Edition Volker Huber, 1996, p.420-21.