Auguste Pottier

Louis Amateis

1884 · Bronze · The American Wing

This portrait bust of Auguste Pottier (1823-1896) was no doubt one of Amateis’s first efforts after he arrived in New York from his native Italy in 1883. Although it is uncertain how artist and sitter met, both were involved with work for city architectural firms, Amateis doing architectural sculpture and Pottier interior furnishings. Born in France, Pottier established a successful career as a decorator and designer of furniture, and in 1859 formed a partnership with William P. Stymus, a well-known cabinetmaker. Pottier and Stymus Manufacturing Company was, with Herter Brothers and Leon Marcotte, among the leading interior decorating establishments in the United States. In addition to his cabinetmaking pursuits, Pottier was among the first hundred Patrons of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Artist

Louis Amateis

Date

1884

Medium

Bronze

Culture

American

Department

The American Wing

Credit line

Gift of Emalie Pottier Heckard, in memory of her father, Auguste Pottier, 1964