French, late 18th/early 19th century, in the manner of Clodion

G. Scherf, 'Autour de Clodion, variations, imitations, répétitions', in Revue de l'Art, n°91, 1991, pp. 47-59, fig. 16.

Very good condition overall with some minor surface dirt and a few dark stains. The ebonised wooden frame with an open split at the top, some dents and knocks.
"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 medallion is a detail of a larger composition by Clodion (cf. G. Scherf, op. cit., fig. 250). A similar version is described in the Walville sale, 23 October 1820, lot 177 as 'A brown terracotta medallion; a bacchante dancing with her child on her foot, a subject drawn from the ruins of Herculaneum'. An identical version, dated 1776, is in the Fitzwilliam Museum, Cambridge (inv. no. M.2-1960); another one in the Ephrussi Villa, Saint-Jean Cap Ferrat, and one in the Grobet-Labadie Museum in Marseille. 

Related Literature:
A. Poulet, G. Scherf, Clodion 1738-1814, cat. exp. musée du Louvre, Paris, 1992, p. 425, fig. 250.