Description:

Bartholdi Frederic

Small archive comprised of period photograph depicting the June 17, 1885 arrival of French vessel “Isere” carrying the Statue of Liberty in pieces into New York Harbor, as well as the calling card of Gabriel Lespinasse de Saune, Captain of the “Isere”.

 

Vintage sepia toned 9” x 4.75” albumen photograph depicting the “Isere” sailing into New York Harbor. The “Isere”, recognizable by its white hull, three masts, and single smoke stack, is festooned with colorful nautical pennants. It can be seen in the middle ground in a cluster of tug boats. In near fine condition, with isolated marginal loss to left side, and two minor surface abrasions located about 2” to the right of left edge and 2” below top edge. Photograph is mounted on a later blue colored board backing.

 

Accompanied by a cream-colored calling card inscribed “G. Lespinasse de Saune, Lieutenant de Vaisseau, Capitaine de l’Isere” in elegant printed calligraphy. In near fine condition, with minor surface roughness verso indicating that card was once adhered to another surface, like a scrapbook. The card measures 4” x 2.375”. The Captain's calling card would come in handy as he participated in the myriad of social engagements following the delivery of the Statue.

 

The Statue of Liberty, assembled from over three hundred modeled copper sheets, was transported from the workshop of Gaget, Gauthier & Compagnie in Paris to Rouen by railroad in carefully packed crates. The 1,000-ton steam-propelled French man-of-war ship “Isere”, escorted on its transatlantic crossing by a naval flagship “Flore”, later transported the pieces to New York Harbor after a month-long journey. On June 17, 1885, the Americans warmly received the “Isere” with cannon salutes; ceremonial visits and sponsored events continued well into July 1885. Yet despite the festive atmosphere, delays in pedestal construction meant that even with the sculpture now in New York, it would not be inaugurated until over sixteen months later in October 1886.

 

Gabriel Lespinasse de Saune (1848-1939), Captain of “Isere”, came from a wealthy family from Toulouse. Between 1866 and 1885, the mariner and soon-to-be-officer served on several vessels, including Japan-bound “Themis”. De Saune was recalled to France to serve as Captain of the “Isere”, the ship chosen to carry the deconstructed Statue of Liberty to New York, in 1885. De Saune’s 18-month-long commission as Captain of “Isere” was the highlight of the officer’s 42-year-long career.

 

Frederic-Auguste Bartholdi (1834-1904) studied painting, sculpture, and architecture under well-known instructors like Viollet-le-Duc in Paris. Following his service in the Franco-Prussian War, Bartholdi became increasingly interested in sculpting monumental works celebrating resistance against oppression, and Enlightenment ideals like Freedom. Bartholdi later conceived of the design of the “Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World”. The fundraising phase of this process would take years, and indeed long surpass the actual 100th anniversary of the United States. Yet once it was installed in 1886, the massive 151-ft tall copper-clad sculpture of a standing woman would fundamentally change the cityscape.

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