Louis-Ernest Barrias

Overall the condition of the bust is good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is some rubbing and wear to the silvered and gilt patina and some greening in one of the crevices. There is also some minor dark spotting to the bronze and further dirt residues, including some white residues to the proper right side of the headdress. There is some minor dark discolouration to the gilt and silvered patina throughout. There are some small naturally occurring inclusions to the marble, including to the face. There is some veining to the marble consistent with the material, including at the chest. There are some small chips and abrasions to the edges of the arms. There are some scratches to the top of the headdress.
"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."

Barrias's charming figure of the Jeune fille de Bou-Saada was inspired by a painting by Achille Guillaumet entitled La Carieuse de aine de Bou-Saada of 1885 (Musée des Beaux-Arts, Rouen). La Jeune fille de Bou-Saada was exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1890 as a wax model, and later at the Exposition Centennale in 1900. Barrias has given his figure a far greater Romanticism than the humble Realism of Guillaumet; while the painter shows the girl in a dejected mood and a plain shawl, the sculptor dresses his girl in fine clothes and ornaments.

The Susse foundry offered the model in various sizes and materials. There is a marble and bronze example in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris. The present version in bust form brings together a variety of materials, using them to simulate different textures and colours; fine white marble for the smooth skin, and coloured and jewelled bronze for the elaborate costume.

RELATED LITERATURE
Gazette des Beaux-Arts, 1890, vol. 2, p. 65; S. Lami, Dictionnaire des sculpteurs de l'école française, au dix-neuvième siècle, Paris, 1914, vol. 1, p. 58