Attributed to Joseph Charles Marin (1759-1834) French, late 18th/early 19th century

the base inscribed: F and numbered 5445 in black ink on the top and: 5445, haut 35, and Pasner dire on the underside

Charles Haviland, Paris and Limoges, before 1921
His sale, Hôtel Drouot Paris, 14-15 December 1922, lot 80
Private collection, France
Sotheby Parke-Bernet, Monaco, 14 June 1982, lot 455

Standard surface abrasion and minor losses. Minor restorations
"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."

A related example of the present terra cotta was featured in the Paris sales of the Marius Paulme (May 15, 1929, lot 335) and George Haviland (June 2-3, 1932, lot m 240) collections.

The composition and the fluid quality of the modelling finds parallels in one of Marin's later works, his Reclining Bacchante with Infants of 1793 in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York (inv. no. 1983.185.5).

The first recorded owner of this terracotta, the American Charles Haviland, was the son of the founder of the Haviland porcelain works, which is still in existence today at Limoges. After assuming the company's directorship in 1866, Haviland became a discriminating art collector. He also frequented literary circles in Paris and was a friend of Emile Zola, whose taste in art he seems to have shared.

RELATED LITERATURE
M. Brillouët, "Mouvement des arts: Les grandes ventes prochaines - collection Charles Haviland", Chronique des Arts et de la Curiosité, 18, November 1922, pp. 148 and 151
M. Quinquenet, Un Énlève de Clodion. Joseph-Charles Marin 1759-1834, Paris, 1948, p. 62
Joseph-Charles Marin 1759-1834, exh cat. Galerie Patrice Bellanger, Paris, 1992