Victor Rousseau Belgian, (1865 - 1954)

There is a rust stain to the neck of the nude reclining figure, as visible in the catalogue photograph. Otherwise the condition of the plaster is good with some minor wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age.
"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."

Victor Rousseau was a Belgian sculptor, draughtsman and painter. In 1890 he was awarded the Godecharle Prize for his sculpture Mental Torture (Brussels, Academie Royale des Beaux-Arts & Ecole des Arts Décoratifs) and embarked on a tour of England, France, Italy and Greece. Among the numerous exhibitions in which he took part were the Triennial Salons and those organized by La Libre Esthétique. From 1901 to 1919 he taught at the academy in Brussels, where he was appointed director in 1919, a position he held until 1922 and again between 1931 and 1935.

Rousseau's sculptures are elegant and display a sensitivity of execution. He worked in bronze, terracotta and ivory but his favourite materials were white plaster and marble because of their smoothness. Rousseau drew his inspiration primarily from feminine beauty. In his works ideal and fluent forms are repeated rhythmically in elongated wavy movements, radiating tranquillity and intimacy. They express feelings of tenderness and purity, as evident in the present work and lot 265.

Works by Rousseau are in the collections of the Academie Royale des Beaux-Arts & Ecole d'Art Décoratif, the Musée d'Art Modern, Brussels, and the Koninklijk Museum voor Schone Kunsten, Antwerp.