Lot 130: A BRONZE GROUP OF LOUIS XIV ON HORSEBACK FRANCOIS GIRARDON (1628-1715), CIR

A BRONZE GROUP OF LOUIS XIV ON HORSEBACK FRANCOIS GIRARDON (1628-1715), CIRCA 1690-1699 Bronze group; the king depicted in classical armour and with a cloak about his shoulders, his right hand holding a baton; on a naturalistic canted rectangular plinth and later marble base inscribed to the side in gilt ‘699’ 40 7/8 x 35 3/8 x 16 7/8 in. (104 x 90 x 43 cm.)

PROVENANCE: Almost certainly the bronze from Girardon’s own collection, depicted in the centre of Plate VI of the Galerie de Girardon published in 1708. Possibly Christie's, London, 16 May 1800, 'A most Superb and Matchlefs ASSEMBLAGE of French Porcelain; Large French-Plate Pier Glasses etc. Many of the above Magnifcent Articles were formerly in the Possession of the King of France & brought from the Palace of St. Cloud', lot 94, 'A Magnifcent Equestrian Group in bronze of Louis 15 [corrected to 14], very highly fnished'. Purchased by the present owner in Toronto, circa 1993.