Jean-Esprit Marcellin

In fairly good condition overall with surface dirt, notably to the base and in the crevices, and weathering to the carving due to outside exposure of the marble. Chips are visible at several places, notably along the edges of the base and on the high points. Grey natural veining and inclusions are visible all over the surface, consistent with the material. The lower part of the bow has been reattached with six joints visible. His proper right hand has been reattached as well with a joint visible to his wrist.
"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 student of François Rude and of the Fine-Arts School, Marcellin exhibited for the first time in the 1845 Salon. Among his official commissions on Paris were several sculptures for the facade of the Louvre, the Tuileries Palace, the Town Hall, the Opera and the churches of La Sorbonne and Saint-Gervais-Saint-Protais. He was also the author of the pediment of the Town Hall of Marseille and the marble group of the Shepherd Cypress (Grenoble Museum).