LOUIS-ERNEST BARRIAS | Jeune Fille de Bou Saada (Girl From Bou Saada)

Overall the condition of the bronze is very good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The bronze is cast in sections, and joints are very slightly visible, including to around the upper arms and around the neck, and to the proper left foot. There is some dirt and some minor greening to some of the crevices, including to the back, to the side of the proper right leg and to the proper right side of the head. There are a few scuff marks, including to the proper right arm, the top of the head, and to the proper right upper thigh. There is an area of minor scratches to the proper left elbow. There is minor rubbing to the patina at some of the high points, including to the tips of the fingers and toes, and to the flowers held in both hands. The condition of the onyx base is very good, with minor dirt and wear. There are a few small chips and abrasions to the edges and corners. There is some minor tarnishing to the gilt bronze mounts.
"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."

Barrias's charming figure was inspired by a painting by Achille Guillaumet entitled The Wool Carder, Bou-Saada of 1885 (Musée des Beaux-Arts, Rouen). La Jeune Fille de Bou Saada was exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1890 as a wax model, and later at the Exposition Centennale in 1900. Barrias has given his figure a far greater Romanticism than the humble realism of Guillaumet; while the painter shows the girl in a dejected mood in a plain shawl, the sculptor dresses his girl in fine clothes and ornaments. 

The Susse foundry offered the model in various sizes and degrees of elaboration. There is a marble and bronze example in the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, Paris. The present cast has a glamorous variated gilt patina, with only the hair patinated in a dark colour. It is further distinguished by its original green onyx base. RELATED LITERATURE
Gazette des Beaux-Arts, 1890, vol. 2, p. 65
Stanislas Lami, Dictionnaire des Sculpteurs de l'école française, au dix-neuvième siècle, Paris, 1914, vol. 1, p. 58