Jean-Jacques, called James Pradier

Peter Fusco and Horst W. Janson, The Romantics to Rodin:  French Nineteenth-Century Sculpture from North American Collections, Los Angeles, 1980, p. 320, for the model

Overall in fair condition with light scratches to surface The dark brown patina has lost its shine. There are traces of possible paint or glue residue to the back of her lefthand foot.
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.

A native of Geneva, James Pradier studied at the École des Beaux-Arts under François Lemot before spending six years at the French Academy in Rome.  He enjoyed enormous success throughout his career, winning the Prix de Rome at a young age, and going on to replace his former teacher as a professor at the École des Beaux Arts and later becoming the favored sculptor of Louis-Philippe.  As a later work, Poésie reflects a lighter and more stylized approach to the academic classicism that had defined the earlier part of Pradier’s career.  The life-sized marble example of the model was exhibited at the salon of 1846 and is now in the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Nîmes.