Jean-Léon Gérôme French, 1824 - 1904

Private Collection, Canada

Overall in fair condition; however, please note that the sculpture was broken in two at some stage, and the break was located at the level of the sitter's ankle. It is now restored and with visible flaking white overpaint. The break line is visible with a flashlight when the light is shone through the marble. Surface dirt and large residue of glue from old sticker are visible at the top of the female head.
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.

Jean-Léon Gérôme was among the most successful French artists of the second half of the nineteenth century. At the age of fifty-four, after a distinguished career as a painter, Gérôme took up sculpture, a medium he mastered just as he did painting. In under thirty years Gérôme produced more than seventy-five sculptures in varying materials.

Three white marble figures are listed in the inventory of Gérôme’s atelier from January 25, 1904 and it is thought that the present marble is one of these (Inventaire après le décés de Monsieur Gérôme, M. Boullaire, Notaire, Paris, Quai Voltaire 5, p 50, item 382).