FRENCH, LATE 18TH / EARLY 19TH CENTURY, | Flora or Allegory of Spring

French private collection.

In overall good condition with minor chips along the edges and to the high points at several places. The front proper left and right corner of the terrace has been reconsolidated and the rear corner reattached with a joint visible. There are natural inclusions and grey veining visible to the surface at several places, consistent with the material. There is a larger chip to the drapery near her proper left shoulder and to the lower part of her drapery to her proper left side.
"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 marble is characteristic of French mid-18th century taste for allegorical sculpture. The composition recalls those of L'Amitié sous les traits de Madame de Pompadour by Jean-Baptiste Pigalle (1714-1785), circa 1750-53, and La Musique by Etienne Maurice Falconet (1716-1791), circa 1751, both marbles commissioned by Madame de Pompadour for her castle of Bellevue (Louvre Museum, inv. no. RF3026 and MR1963). This theme also recalls the biscuits produced by the Manufacture de Sèvres, under the direction of Falconet and Louis-Simon Boizot (1743-1809).