Exquisite Gilt and Marble Bust of Diana to be Offered at Auction!

Dallas, Texas: An exquisite gilt and marble bust of Diana, the Roman goddess of the hunt, by French sculptor Henri Weigele, will soon be offered at auction to the art collecting public.

"Henri Weigele, who lived from 1858 to 1927, was a popular sculptor at the turn of the century, but his work fell into disfavor at around the time of his death," said Michael Wolf, Deputy Managing Director of Fine and Decorative Arts for Dallas-based Heritage Auction Galleries. "More recently, however, fine art connoisseurs have rediscovered the joys of this classic sculptor. This piece in particular stands as an excellent example of the French beaux arts style."

"In a newsletter published by the New Orleans Museum of Art," Wolf said, "curator John W. Keefe wrote about this piece, 'The vigorous rhythms and opulent materials of Weigele's Diana were ideally suited to conservative tastes during the belle époque, and his classicizing work was acquired by affluent American collectors and art museum's internationally.'"

Wolf continued, "In the same article, Keefe points out, 'The subject of Diana has been a popular one since the Renaissance; during that era she was customarily depicted as a sylvan bathing figure. By the eighteenth century, it was a convention to depict her in full figure, often in a short costume and carrying a bow, arrow and a quiver, and sometimes accompanied by a stag or a hound, a reference to her role as goddess of the hunt. Weigele has ignored both of these traditional depictions and has instead relied upon a discerning eclecticism, which characterized the best of work in the beaux arts manner.'"

"It was customary during the Baroque period for portraits to be enhanced by drapery of colored marble," said Wolf, "but, in this case, Weigele has chosen to use bronze instead, thus providing a striking contrast of richly-textured materials.'"

"This stunning, museum-quality piece will certainly enhance any collection of fine sculpture," said Wolf, "and is sure to inspire some spirited bidding in our upcoming auction."

Heritage Auction Galleries will offer Diana by Henri Weigele in their upcoming Signature auction, to be held May 24 & 25, 2006 at their headquarters in Dallas, TX.

Henri Weigele's Diana bears a pre-auction estimate of $35,000 - $50,000.

Diana by Henri Weigele

For more information about Heritage's auctions, and a complete record of prices realized, along with full-color, enlargeable photos of each lot, please visit www.HeritageAuctions.com.

Prospective consignors and sellers of fine art, antiques, decorative arts, silver and art glass are invited to www.HeritageAuctions.com/FineArt and click on the "Sell Now" tab. Or simply email Michael Wolf at MWolf@HeritageAuctions.com.

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