AUGUSTE SEYSSES | Femme au lys (Woman of the Lily)

Overall the condition of the marble is very good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is some very slight veining to the marble, consistent with the material, including at the proper right arm. There are a few small well-concealed naturally occurring inclusions, including at the proper right arm and the proper right hip and back of the leg. There is some light surface dirt at the proper right hip. There is some slight scratching at the proper left elbow.
"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."

Auguste Seysses was a student of Falguière and began exhibiting at the Salon in 1884. He received silver medals at the Universal Exhibitions of 1900 and 1937 and became cheval de la Légion d'Honneur in 1900. Seysses worked on numerous buildings throughout France, including the Grand Palais in Paris and the Jardin de Plantes in Toulouse. 

This beautifully carved female nude represents a contemplative, symbolist subject. A bronze variant of the model, a collaboration between Seysses and Alfonse Mucha, is in the Musée d'Orsay, Paris (inv. no. RF4741).