^Lot 509 Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi

Eminent French sculptor (1834–1904) best known for designing the Statue of Liberty. Vintage sepia matte-finish 5.5 x 4 photo of one of his works, by Sauvanaud of Paris, inscribed in fountain pen in French, and signed “Bartholdi.” In fine condition, with a bit of light silvering to background, visible only at an angle and mounting remnants on reverse.

This signed photograph depicts a watercolor rendering of Bartholdi’s Monument to Leon Gambetta (1838-1882) in Sèvres, France. Bartholdi completed the monument in 1891 to memorialize Gambetta, a French statesman prominent during the Franco-Prussian War. Surmounted by a statue of Gambetta, the statues pictured represent Alsace and Lorraine taking refuge at the altar of France, below which is inscribed “Pro Patria.” A rare signed image of one of Bartholdi’s sculptures.