Aimé-Jules Dalou French, 1838-1902

Ceramic is in very good condition. Minor chips to bottom edge. Some firing cracks.
"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."

La Sagesse soutenant la Liberté was originally modelled in 1889 but reworked to be incorporated into the Monument to Léon Gambetta (1838-1882). A bronze reduction was included in Sotheby's June sale of this year (lot 148).

The fashion for enamelled stoneware was at its height in the 1890's and Emile Müller's tile manufacturing company - the Grand Tuilerie d'Ivry - was at the forefront of production. Müller approached artists and convinced them to have their work cast with his technique to created artistic editions usually limited to between two and five casts. Sculpture cast in stoneware even appeared at the Salon in the last few years of the century. Falguière, one of the sculptors who succumbed to Müller's persuasions, compared the material favourably with bronze, declaring that casts contained "not the smallest deformity. It is my own work, as it left my hands..."

RELATED LITERATURE
Breaking the Mould, pp. 98-115; La Sculpture française au XIXe siècle, pp. 157-159