Italian School 19th century A LIFE SIZE FIGURE OF A BATHING VENUS 19TH CENTURY

In very good condition, with no breaks. There is visible dirt to surface and spots consistent with natural veining and staining of Carrara marble. There are chips to bottom of edge of circular base, which are visible as well in the catalogue illustration. The big toe of the proper left foot was once broken but has been restored. The break is difficult to see with the naked eye. To confirm that there was prior restoration, the expert had to look through a flashlight. Behind her left hand there are extensive traces of dirt which will need to be cleaned.
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.

Christophe-Gabriel Allegrain (1710 - 1795) was a French sculptor who tempered the neoclassical style with Rococo charm and softness. Allegrain was born into a well-established family of landscape painters in Paris. This is a copy of his single most famous work, the Bather (La Baigneuse), which was commissioned for the Royal residence through the Batiments du Roi in1755. A modelled sketch was shown at the Salon of 1757 and when the finished marble was finally exhibited at the Salon of 1767 it received a sensational reception. In 1772 Louis XV presented it to Madame du Barry for her Château de Louveciennes, where she had recently completed the famed pavilion that introduced the neoclassical style to France, which would become the hallmark of the "Louis XVI style".