Auguste-Edme Suchetet

Overall the condition of the marble is very good. Tehre is some slight dirt to the surface and a few very minor naturally occuring inclusions.
"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."

Suchetet was one of the most successful artists in France during the latter half of the nineteenth century, as is evidenced by the fact that he was made a chevalier of the Légion d'honneur in 1895.

The sfumato-like surfaces of the present marble are ideally suited to a depiction of Astarte, the lunar goddess who was the Phoenician predecessor of the Greek Aphrodite. As Queen of the Evening Star, she was the goddess of passionate love. The striking softness of the modelling and idealisation of the female form was ahead of its time and foreshadowed the stylised forms of Art Nouveau.