Adèle d'Affry

Overall the condition of the terracotta is very good. There is some dirt and minor wear consistent with age. There are minor chips to the jewel at the proper right shoulder and to the top of the head. There are two stable hairline fissures to the drapery at the proper left side of the face.
"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."

Adèle d'Affry was the daughter of the Swiss Count, Louis d'Affry, and the husband of Carlo Colonna, Duke of Castiglione, whom she met in Italy having moved to Rome in 1854. When her husband tragically died, only eight months after their marriage in 1856, Adèle launched herself into a career as a sculptor, taking on the pseudonym 'Marcello'. Le Chef Abyssin marks the height of her achievement as an artist: bronze and white marble versions were exhibited at the 1870 Salon and a model was purchased by the prominent foundry owner Marnyhac. In 1873 the model won a medal at the Universal Exhibition held in Vienna. Strangely, the inspiration for the regal bust comes from a Roman brigand. His Arab features pleased the artist so much that she immortalised him in numerous sketches, paintings and sculptures. Marcello's other major orientalist bust and occasional pendant to the Chef Abyssin, Medje, was also a portrait of a European: Madame Isabelle Rodocanachi, a childhood friend.

A marble version of Le Chef Abyssin is kept in the Musée d'Orsay, a plaster model is in the Kunstmuseum in Bern and numerous sketches and paintings in preparation for the bust are preserved at the Fondation Marcello in Fribourg, Switzerland.

RELATED LITERATURE
Bessis, pp. 152-157, no. 39ff