César (French, 1921-1998)Index, from N.R. (Nouveaux realists) Portfolio, 1973Bronze sculpture multiple comprised of two interlocking elements, impressed signature to lower edge 'César', impressed number to finger element '194/600' and impressed foundry mark on reverse 'Visigalli Milano Fonderia Valcamonica', published by Ars Viva Edition, Milan.finger 3 1/2 x 7/8 x 1 3/8in (8.9 x 2.2 x 3cm); plate 8 7/8 x 1 5/8 x 7/8in (21.8 x 4.1 x 2.3cm)Footnotes:In 1960, the critic Pierre Restany formed a loose collective called 'Nouveau Realism' (new realism). Its members used existing materials such as discarded posters, and objects from real life (readymades) to create collages and assemblages (they acknowledged their debt to Marcel Duchamp). The leading exponents (also called the school of Nice) were Arman, César, Christo, Yves Klein (who died prematurely in 1962), Jean Tinguely and Niki de Saint Phalle. Other members included Daniel Spoerri. Raymond Hains, and Mimmo Rotella. The Nouveaux Realists portfolio was created to codify the artistic practices and credo of its members.