A CARVED MARBLE BUST OF SEBASTIAN LE PRESTRE, MARQUIS DE VAUBAN (1633-1707)

AFTER ANTOINE COYSEVOX (1640-1720), BY PIETRO MARCHETTI (ACTIVE C. 1790), LATE 18TH CENTURY

Details

A CARVED MARBLE BUST OF SEBASTIAN LE PRESTRE, MARQUIS DE VAUBAN (1633-1707)
AFTER ANTOINE COYSEVOX (1640-1720), BY PIETRO MARCHETTI (ACTIVE C. 1790), LATE 18TH CENTURY
On a circular marble socle, signed to the reverse 'P.RO MARCHETTI. F'; inscribed in lead lettering to the front of socle 'VAUBAN'; together with an associated early 18th century tapering carved white marble pedestal
23½ in. (59.5 cm.) high;
73 in. (185.3 cm.) high, with the pedestal

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Lot Essay

Sebastien Le Prestre de Vauban (1633-1707) was the foremost military engineer of his age and advised Louis XIV on fortifications and how best to defend the French borders. In c. 1704 the sculptor Antoine Coysevox first depicted Vauban in marble, and a version of that bust was purchased by George IV (Windsor Castle, Royal Collection, inv. no. 33305) dated 1706.

Pietro Marchetti worked in Carrara in the court of Princess Elisa (1777-1820), the Grand Duchess of Tuscany and younger sister of Napoleon. Since he is predominantly known for his busts of the Bonaparte family, this work is an important addition to his known oeuvre.

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