Laurent Delvaux (1696-1778) Flemish, Nivelles, circa 1740-1770

A. Jacobs, Laurent Delvaux, Paris, 1999, no. S 286, pp. 485-7

Overall the condition of the marble is very good. There is some minor wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are a few naturally occurring veins and inclusions to the surface. A weathering crack runs along the child's back at the neck. There are some chips to the corners of the base.
"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."

This marble group of a sleeping child is published in Alain Jacobs monograph on Laurent Delvaux as location unknown. It belongs to a series of sleeping children of which there are five versions. Some of these children repose on a mattress, whilst others, as in the present version, seem to recline in the open air. The attributes of corn and sickle may transform them into allegories of summer. Closest to the present version is the marble in the Musées Royaux des Beaux-Arts, Brussels, which came from the collection of the Delvaux family. That child rests his head on two sheafs of corn and holds a sickle in his right hand, and is signed in the same way.