Alfred Boucher

Overall the condition of the marble is very good with some minor wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are some faint naturally occurring inclusions visible at the back of the neck and to the top of the arch.
"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."

Boucher executed a number of variants of his relief La Philosphe de l'Historie, which he exhibited at the Salon of 1898 and L'Exposition Universelle of 1900.  He adopted the theme for a monument to the French professor and politician Auguste Burdeau (1851-1894).  The present example, illustrated in the catalogue Alfred Boucher 1850-1934 (cat. no. 52), stands out among this group for its vacillation from low to high relief and its illusionary effects.

RELATED LITERATURE
Alfred Boucher 1850-1934: Sculpteur-Humaniste, Nogent-sur-Seine, 2000, p. 54, cat. no. 52