Cecil de Blaquiere Howard

New York, Gorham Galleries, The Annual Exhibition of the Gorham Galleries, 1915;
New York, The Sculptor's Gallery, 1922

Overall the condition of the bronze is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a few minor nicks and scratches, including to the back. There is very slight rubbing to the patina at the high points, such as the hair and nose. There are a few very small chips to the patina, including one at each shoulder and one at the top of the head. There is some minor greening, particularly to the proper left thigh. There is minor staining to the patina.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

'A little figure in marble which he rather unwisely calls The Cigarette Girl is a compact and splendid young form, rounded and homogeneous, crouching in a pose that brings out its weight and simplicity of mass,' New York Times,‎ November 14, 1915

This charming model was first exhibited by Howard in New York at his 1915 Gorham Galleries exhibition. In its elegance it looks forwards to the fashionable world of 1920's Paris. The stone version, carved en taille directe, has the left arm in a different position. A photograph exists showing Howard modelling the original plaster (fig. 1).