Lot Essay
The Union Franco-Américaine was founded in 1875, in order to present Bartholdi's monument, 'Liberty Enlightening the World', to the American people. The committee coordinated all aspects of the statue's development, including raising funds for the construction of the statue and pedestal. Money was raised through public appeal and subscription as well as a benefit banquet, a Franco-American fête and a musical evening. Marketing through souvenirs, licensing, lotteries and promotions was far more successful. The present example, called 'Modèle du Comité', is the most significant object produced for marketing purposes, and was commisioned by Bartholdi and the Union Franco-Américaine. It was advertised as: 'one meter high, made of terracotta and finished by the artist himself; each copy, bearing his signature, the sale of the Committee and a serial number, will be registered in the Golden Book of Contributions along with its purchaser. Only two hundred will be made, after which the molds will be destroyed. The model will be priced at Fr. 1,000 in France or at $300 in New York.'
As the highest serial number known is 50, it is unlikely that the quota was filled. Only four other examples are known:
Dr. Oscar Lievain (no. 25)
Musee Bartholdi, Colmar (no. 34)
Drexel Museum Collection, Drexel University, Philadelphia (no. 50) Musee des Beaux Arts, Lyon
As the highest serial number known is 50, it is unlikely that the quota was filled. Only four other examples are known:
Dr. Oscar Lievain (no. 25)
Musee Bartholdi, Colmar (no. 34)
Drexel Museum Collection, Drexel University, Philadelphia (no. 50) Musee des Beaux Arts, Lyon