Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux French, 1827-1875

Atelier J-B. Carpeaux. Catalogue de Sculptures Originales, auction catalogue, Henri Baudoin commissaire-priseur, Galerie Manzi, Joyant, 8-9 December 1913, no.26

Overall the condition of the plaster is excellent. There is overall surface dirt and some small brown spotting to the surface. There is a small area to the back of the head behind the proper right ear which appears to be a rust spot. There are some small natural air bubbles behind the proper right ear.
"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."

No other versions of this étude for the bust of the Prince Impérial exists.  This unique work was sold as lot 26 in the Carpeaux sale in 1913, where it is described as the plâtre original, and no examples in bronze or terracotta are known. 

Carpeaux regarded the commission from the Empress Eugénie for a portrait of her son in 1865 as one of great importance for his career. Having been employed to teach the young prince to draw the year before, Carpeaux hoped that this commission would initiate a long and prestigious royal patronage.  Consequently he elaborated a variety of busts of the prince, dressed in different costumes and al antica, as well as a full length figure with his dog, Nero.  The original plaster of the étude retains a freshness in the tactile modelled surface which becomes conventional in the finished model and it provides an insight into Carpeaux's working methods.  A small plaster ésquisse of the figure of the Prince Impérial with his dog which has a comparable vitality of finish is in the Musée d'Orsay.