French, 19th century

A. Poulet, G. Scherf, Houdon 1741-1828, sculpteur des Lumières, cat. exp. Versailles, 2004, p. 86, fig. 2; T. Préaud, G. Scherf, La Manufacture des Lumières. La sculpture à Sèvres de Louis XV à la Révolution, cat. exp., Sèvres, 2015, p. 163, n° 123.

Overall the condition of the terracotta bust is very good with minor wear and surface dirt, especailly in the crevices, consistent with age and handling. There are a few stable firing fissures at several places consistent with the material. There is a vertical fissure to the propoer right side of the Vestal's neck which appears to have been filled before the firing. There are a few minor chips at several places to the high points of the drapery, of the crown of flowers and along the lower edge of the bust.
"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."

Roman priestess devoted to the worship of Vesta, the vestal became very popular among painters and sculptors during the last quarter of the 18th century. These busts of veiled meditating women in the neoclassical style can be related to the Virginal iconography. The plaster Head of a Vestal by Jean-Antoine Houdon (1741-1828) is a brilliant example (1769 Salon; Schlossmuseum, Gotha). One could also mention the bust of a Vestal, also called The Great Priestess, modelled in 1775 by Le Riche under Louis-Simon Boizot (1743-1809) for Sèvres Manufactory (Manufacture nationale de Sèvres, inv. No. MNC 27921).