A pair of French biscuit ormolu-mounted figures of 'Le Berger Pâris' and 'La Tendresse Ancienne' circa 1770

modelled by Louis-Simon Boizot, incised Bo, the 'Tenderness' figure, after Étienne-Maurice Falconet, standing holding two birds; the Paris figure, after Nicolas François Gillet, leaning on a tree stump holding the apple which he is offering as the price of beauty, each mounted on a marble and ormolu base.

Please note that the figures have not been examined beneath the gilt-bronze mounts. There is a small section missing in the Tenderness's crown and a very small chip to the edge of the draping cloth behind Paris. Otherwise in good condition.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

The marble sculpture of 'Le Berger Pâris' by Gillet is illustrated in Tamara Préaud and Guilhem Scherf, La Manufacture de Lumières, La Sculpture à Sèvres de Louis XV à la Révolution, p. 73, fig. 8, where the authors mention on the following page the sculpture was displayed at the reception of the Académie Royale in 1757. A similar biscuit figure of 'La Tendresse' is also illustrated, ibid., p. 149, fig. 88, where the authors state that in 1769, this figure was associated to a surtout group called the 'Divinités', which included the Paris figure amongst others, such as the Apollo and Bacchus.