Émile-Louis Picault

Overall in good condition. Original gilt highlights. Minute chips to marble base edges. Some slight discoloration to patina of high relief: for instance on top of head and shoulders—consistent with light cleaning.
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.

Picault was a student under Royer and exhibited a wide genre of sculpture at the Paris Salon between 1863 and 1909. His Egyptian figures are some of his most popular and recognizable works. The present Scribe, part of a pendant known as Pastophore and Hierogrammate, the Hight Priest and the Scribe, along with the group known as the Pharaoh's Gift and the Queen's Offering, are undoubtedly the most sought after models by this artist. 

Picault was inspired by ethnographic findings of the mid nineteenth century and drew directly from the vogue of Egyptomania, in particular Giuseppe Verdi's Aida from which Picault took direct visual quotes from Pierre-Eugène Lacoste 's costume designs.