Aimé-Jules Dalou

Overall the condition of the bronze is excellent. A few minor chips to the base, including a chip to the base at the lower edge at the front.
"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."

A student of Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux (1827-1875), Dalou was one of the most important sculptors of the Third French Republic and was a celebrated portraitist. This sensitive bust of a young woman represents Mademoiselle Vuillier, Dalou's wife's sister. Dalou sculpted the portrait when he was working in London in the 1870's, a particularly fruitful time for him, when he sculpted a number of portraits of children and adolescents. The character of the young girl is conveyed through tender facial features, including the wide eyes and expressive lips. The present bronze is derived from a model in terracotta, held in the musée du Petit Palais, Paris. Another bronze cast of the model was in the Didier Kahn-Sriber Collection, sold by Sotheby's, Paris, 2^nd October 2003, lot 141.