Andromede by Par A. Valentin. I had failed to state the artist name in my previous request
Perhaps a clay statue, weighs 60 pounds, stands 39 inches tall, 13 inches deep by 11.5 wide.
My Mothers estate which she purchased in the mid to late 50s from a family that had moved back to England.
Inherited
Yes
Dear Jim,
Many thanks for submitting photographs and information on the sculpture. Before proceeding with the appraisal, can you confirm that artist's name and if the sculpture is signed? If so, are you able to provide a close-up photograph of any signatures and/or markings?
Kind regards,
Grace
Hi Grace, Yes the statue has a signature (VALENTIN) as well as a brass plate (AMDROMEDE) Par A.Valentin. And no I do not have any paper work as to my Mother acquiring the statue,.this transaction occurred somewhere in the late 1950's.
Thank you Jim.
Are you willing to upload photographs of the signature and brass plate? Initial research has not yielded any artists with the name 'Valentin' or 'A. Valentin.' Having an image of the signature might be helpful in identifying the artist.
Many thanks,
Grace
Hi Grace, Yes I have a couple of clear photos of the signature & and the brass plate. Please tell me how I can send them to you 9email or other?) Thank you Jim [email protected]
Hi again Grace, I have just sorted it out and the 2 photos are on the way Jim
Thank you! These images are fine. I will see what I can find out.
Kindly,
Grace
The appraised work is likely a French marble sculpture executed in the late 19th / early 20th century and depicts the Greek princess Andromeda. The sculpture depicts a climatic moment in the ancient myth, where a nude Andromeda is chained to a rock with waves lapping at her feet after her parents angered Poseidon, perhaps moments before Perseus rescues her.
While the sculpture is signed ‘Valentin’ with an additional brass plate that reads ‘Andromède par A. Valentin,’ the artist could not be fully identified and no record of previous works were found and confirmed. The estimate provided is based on similar sculptures recently offered and sold at auction. In many cases, pricing for comparables available on the retail market are often higher than secondary market examples. The appraised work’s subject, size, and medium were taken into consideration in establishing the estimate provided.
Hi Grace, Thank you for your appraisal and it is much appreciated. Jim McGhee
Jim,
I am happy to help. Let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
Grace
Dear Jim,
A colleague took a look at your photographs of the Andromeda sculpture and believes it is not in fact marble but actually chalkware, which is a material cast from gypsum-based plaster of Paris. Chalkware was very popular in the 19th century and often used to create small collectibles and figurines. Chalkware is not as durable as marble nor as desirable. I have updated the initial price estimate to reflect comparable chalkware items recently offered and sold at auction. I apologize for my initial error. It can sometimes be difficult to assess an artwork’s medium via photographs. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Hello Grace, I was shocked to have received your first appraisal of Andromede but your new estimate appears more in line with what I thought it would be. I did turn the stature on it's side and the hollow insides show a red clay type material. Thanks again for your fine work. Jim
Many thanks for your patience and understanding!
All Best,
Grace
Dear Jim,
Are you able to discern a signature or any other markings on the sculpture? Alternatively, are you in possession of paperwork or an invoice from when your mother acquired the sculpture? Any additional information you can provide is most helpful and greatly appreciated.
Kindly,
Grace