Cecil de Blaquiere Howard

Overall the condition of the plaster is very good with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The plaster is cast in sections and joints are visible, in particular running down the sides of the torso, and to the top of the proper left thigh, and the top of the terrasse. There appear to be some old plaster restorations to the terrasse. There may be some further minor restorations to the edges of the arms. The patina is variated, with some dirt. There are some minor scratches, including to the proper right side of the chest and to the shoulder blades. There are areas of yellowish spots to the chest, which may be 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."

This elegant ideal male nude is reminiscent of a kouros, specifically, in its hint of movement, the celebrated 5th-century Kritios Boy in the Acropolis Museum, Athens. The original Burgundy stone version of the present model, executed en taille directe, led to Howard being awarded the prestigious Gold Medal of the Architectural League of New York in 1955. A stone reduction was exhibited in the 2012 exhibition Youth and Beauty : Art of the American Twenties held at the Brooklyn Museum, the Dallas Museum of Art and the Cleveland Museum of Arts. A bronze edition of the reduction exists with two casts executed.