Alexandre-Pierre Schoenewerk French, 1820-1885

Overall the condition of the marble is excellent with some minor surface dirt and some minor wear to the surface consistent with age as well as a few minor inclusions consistent with the material.
"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."

Alexandre Schoenewerk exhibited his Jeune fille à la fontaine at the Salon of 1873. A life-size marble version is in the Musée d'Orsay (RF293). A plaster was given by the artist to the Musée des Beaux-Arts, Amiens in 1885. Lami records as untraced a reduced terracotta which was exhibited at the Salon in 1875. Lami praised the Jeune fille as one of Schoenewerk's best works 'full of charm and distinction.' The present half-size reduction retains all the 'supple and graceful' expression of the Salon marble.

Schoenewerk was a pupil of the distinguished sculptor David d'Angers. As the son of a foreigner he was barred from competing for the Prix de Rome. Despite this set-back Schoenewerk's entries to the Salon from 1841 were well received and he won various important public commissions.

RELATED LITERATURE
Musee d'Orsay, p.248 no.RF293; Lami vol.4, p.245