The Property of AN UPSTATE NEW YORK CULTURAL INSTITUTION*
GASTON LACHAISE (1882-1935)

Details
GASTON LACHAISE (1882-1935)

A Bronze Portrait Bust of Lemeul Torrens

inscribed 'AMER.ART FDRY. N.Y.' and in red ink '60.49'
11 5/8 in. (29.5 cm.) high, on stepped wood base, dark brown patina
Provenance
Mrs. James Sibley Watson, Jr., New York (acquired directly from the artist circa 1924)
Gift to the Upstate Cultural Institution, 1960
Literature
C.K. Carr and M.C.S. Christman, Gaston Lachaise Portrait Sculpture, Washington, D.C., 1985, pp. 92-93, illus.
Exhibited
Washington, D.C.,Smithsonian Institution, National Portrait Gallery, Gaston Lachaise Portrait Sculpture, November 22, 1985 - February 16, 1986, pp. 92-93os

Lot Essay

Lemuel A. Torrens (1848-1928) a composer, was the friend and music coach to Hildegarde Lasell Watson in whose home he lived from 1923 until his death five years later. A great patron of Lachaise, "It would have been in character for Mrs. Watson to have commissioned his
[Lemuel Torrens'] portrait to help Lachaise over one of his many moments of financial embarrassment." (Carr and Christman, p. 92)

*The auction of this lot is conducted by Christie's as agent for an institution which holds a State of New York Exempt Organization certificate. Accordingly, no sales tax is due on the purchase price of this lot if the lot is picked up or delivered in the State of New York. However, a compensating use tax is due rom the buyer if this lot is shipped to New Jersey or Connecticut or to any of the following states where Christie's maintains offices: California, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Texas and Washington, D.C.