Attributed to Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse

Washington, New York, Cambridge, 1979-1982, no. 98 (illus.); New York, 1981, no. 58; Chicago 1987-1988, no. 29

Restred breaks including head and bottom portion of base. Losses and restorations throughout including hair, leaves, one bird's head and wings of both birds, and her proper right arm. Surface has been applied with terracotta-colored pigment. Otherwise stable and attractive.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

Carrier-Belleuse sculpted a series of "fantasy" busts beginning in the late 1850s in which he balanced contemporary portraiture with idealized beauty, and incorporated lively naturalistic attributes such as the pair of doves and rustic vines adorning the present unsigned bust.  A bust of slightly smaller size titled Colombe is listed in the posthumous Hotel-Drouot sale of Carrier-Belleuse's inventory.

The word 'original' inscribed behind the left shoulder suggests that this bust was intended for replication.