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Lot Essay
The fine quality of casting and realistic modeling of these busts is akin to the work of Francesco Righetti as in his figure of a warrior dated 1790 Colnaghi Gallery, London (see A. González-Palacios, Il Tempio del Gusto, Milan, 1984, tome II, p. 136, fig. 301).
The grouping together of emperors dates back at least to the time of Suetonius' Lives of the Caesars, around 110 A.D. The number depicted was originally twelve, as in this set, but smaller combinations are often found, as artists modified the theme to suit their own demands. Representations of the series exist also in marble, wood, enamel, porcelain and other media. These finely cast examples therefore stem from a rich artistic pedigree.
THE DELBéE-JANSEN COLLECTION
The design collaboration of Henri Jansen and Pierre Delbée began in 1930 when M. Delbée joined the established and renown design firm of Jansen. Delbée became one of the four directors of the firm and among other prestigious commissions, was called on by the Shah of Iran to adorn the ruins of Persepolis in honor of the 2500th Anniversary of the Persian Empire. Pierre and Suzy Delbée formed a remarkable and eclectic collection of furnishing and decorations influenced in part by the varied and unique styles of Pierre's clientele. From silver-mounted ostrich eggs, to Regency globes to the busts of the twelve Caesars, this diverse assemblage of decorative arts was brought together in a well thought out aesthetic harmony.
The grouping together of emperors dates back at least to the time of Suetonius' Lives of the Caesars, around 110 A.D. The number depicted was originally twelve, as in this set, but smaller combinations are often found, as artists modified the theme to suit their own demands. Representations of the series exist also in marble, wood, enamel, porcelain and other media. These finely cast examples therefore stem from a rich artistic pedigree.
THE DELBéE-JANSEN COLLECTION
The design collaboration of Henri Jansen and Pierre Delbée began in 1930 when M. Delbée joined the established and renown design firm of Jansen. Delbée became one of the four directors of the firm and among other prestigious commissions, was called on by the Shah of Iran to adorn the ruins of Persepolis in honor of the 2500th Anniversary of the Persian Empire. Pierre and Suzy Delbée formed a remarkable and eclectic collection of furnishing and decorations influenced in part by the varied and unique styles of Pierre's clientele. From silver-mounted ostrich eggs, to Regency globes to the busts of the twelve Caesars, this diverse assemblage of decorative arts was brought together in a well thought out aesthetic harmony.