Émile-André Boisseau

The marble has been outside and the surface is weathered with some loss to the surface details. There is a restored break at the woman's proper right wrist. The moon from her forehead is lost. The flame extinguisher and the lamp handle (in two places) are reattached. The woman's proper right little finger is restored. There are numerous small filled inclusions, including to the woman's drapes. There are small chips to the base, and there is a loss to one of the corners on the left side of the base. Otherwise the condition is stable with minor dirt marks and wear.
"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."

Boisseau studied at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, under Augustin-Alexandre Dumont and Jean-Marie Bonnassieux. The sculptor was well known for his graceful groups of women and children. His most celebrated group was his Le Crépuscule, which shows a winged personification of Dusk sheltering two sleeping putti (see the preceding lot). It was exhibited at the Salon in 1870 and won the prestigious gold medal, before being purchased for the Élysée Palace.

RELATED LITERATURE
E. Benezit, Dictionnaire critique et documentaire des peintres sculpteurs dessinateurs et graveurs, Paris, 1999, vol. 2, p. 476