Naum Aronson

Overall, the condition of the bronze is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is minor rubbing to the patina at the high points. There is some greening to the bronze, consistent with the material, notably on the proper right side along the legs and to the side of the rock, to her proper left side, to the proper right hand, and to the signature. There is some minor pitting to the bronze, including to the upper back, the back of the head, and the proper right hand. There is a small shallow original lacuna to the proper right shoulder blade. There are a few minor nicks and scratches.
"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."

Naum Aronson was born in Kreslavka, a village then part of the Russian Empire, in present day Latvia. He moved to Paris in 1891 for his education, and lived there for most of his life. However, due to his Russian-Jewish descent, he had to flee Paris after the French occupation in 1940, and finally arrived in New York, where he died in 1943. He was especially praised for his talent of capturing people's character in sculpture, and a bust of Beethoven, which surmounts the Monument to Beethoven in Bonn, is amongst his most known works.