Jules Dalou

bronze à patine brun vert ; sur un socle en marbre blanc
signé DALOU, marqué du fondeur Susses Frères

Amélie Simier, Jules Dalou, le sculpteur de la République, exh. cat. Petit-Palais, Paris, 2013, p. 364, n. 294.

Overall the condition of the bronze is very good with minor surface dirt, particularly in the crevices, and wear to the patina at the high points consistent with age and handling. There is minor verdigris in the crevices at several places such as the nostrils. There are minor chips along the edges of the marble base consistent with age and handling.
"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."

The model for this bronze is related to the Monument to the Memory of the Queen Victoria's Children (1877-1879) in a private chapel in Windsor (see also Lots 95 and 97 of the sale).

Monument to the memory of Queen Victoria's grandchildren (1877-1879)
Exiled from France to escape his condemnation to forced labor in perpetuity, Dalou found in London a favorable welcome and the support of a clientele of financiers and landowners. In his genre and maternal scenes, he depicts a simple and intimate world, where maternal feelings are exalted and lauded far from social cleavages.
In 1877 Dalou wins a commission for a funeral monument dedicated to the memory of five of Queen Victoria's grandchildren, for the private royal chapel in Windsor. A standing angel carries three children in his arms while the last two grasp its legs. This first monument is in place in June 1878 and Dalou is entrusted with a second commission by Queen Victoria in memory of Princess Mary Hesse, who had just died of typhoid fever.