Benoit Rougèlet

Overall the condition of the marble is good with minor wear to the surface consistent with age. There is dirt to the surface, including some grey dirt marks, in particular to the upper figure's face, chest and arms. The top of the upper figure's bouquet is reattached. There are a number of small naturally occurring inclusions to the marble, including to the figures' arms and the upper figure's face. There is a large inclusion or possibly a small chip to the far right figure's proper left shoulder blade. There are minor abrasions to some of the toes. There are some restored chips to the edges of the base.
"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."

Benoit Rougelet was a pupil of the sculptor Francisque-Joseph Duret. He began exhibiting at the Salon in 1876 and received a number of public commisions. The present marble is one of a series of groups of three children dancing, variously arranged and with differing attributes. Another group from the same series fetched £32,450 when it sold in these rooms on 11th November 2008 (lot 68.)

RELATED LITERATURE
E. Benezit, Dictionaire des peintres sculpteurs dessinateurs et graveurs, Paris, 1999, p. 20-1