Lot 63: Denis Foyatier (French, 1793-1863): A large bronze model of Spartacus

the figure of Spartacus with a dagger, and leaning on a draped pedestal signed Foyatier, on a grassy naturalistic base, dark brown patination, raised on a shaped onyx plinth, 82cm high

Spartacus was Foyatier's most highly regarded model and led to much of the success he enjoyed throughout his career. Originally conceived whilst he was still training at the French Academy in Rome, the plaster version was exhibited at the Salon of 1827. Here it won such acclaim that the state commissioned a marble version for the Tuileries Garden, which is now in the Louvre. Foyatier then exhibited a large bronze version at the Exposition Universelle in 1855, which led various Parisian foundries to cast smaller versions for the open market. Jean-Jacques Feuchere's foundry added drapery to the composition to appeal to those buyers who were concerned about retaining the figure's modesty, as can be seen in the present example.