Jean-Alexandre-Joseph Falguière

Overall the condition of the marble is good with minor wear to the surface consistent with age. There is dirt to the surface throughout, particularly to Diana's shoulders, head and proper right arm. There are minor scratches and marks to the proper left hand where the bow sits. There are a few small naturally occurring inclusions, including to the face and neck. There is green-black spotting to the bow. The piece would benefit from professional cleaning.
"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."

Falguière was one of the foremost sculptors in late 19th century France. He exhibited for 39 consecutive years at the Paris Salon from 1863, after winning the Prix de Rome in 1859. His nudes were eagerly anticipated at the yearly exhibitions and notorious in the press for their indecent modernity. Peter Fusco cites one critic who wrote that 'these figures seemed to show the traces of a recently removed corset.' Falguière's Diana was one of his most popular models, and he also produced an independent study of the head.

RELATED LITERATURE
P. Fusco and  H. W. Janson, The Romantics to Rodin, exhib. cat., Los Angeles County Museum of Art, 1980, pp. 258-9, no. 130