Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse French, 1824-1887

Overall the condition of the terracotta is very good. There appear to be well executed repairs to the Mother's hands and the Child's left arm. The surface of the terracotta has been painted with a wash. There is a small repaired chip (approximately 1½in x ½in.) to the front of base. The sculpture retains surface dirt consistent with age.
"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."

The serene image of Mary holding the Christ Child is a reduction of the two-meter high marble group that was exhbited at the Exposition Universelle of 1867, winning a gold medal. It was purchased by the state for 12,000 francs and installed in the chapel of the Virgin at the church of Saint-Vincent de Paul, Paris, in 1869. Reductions were also made in plaster and biscuit de Sèvres. The first terracotta versions date from Carrier-Belleuse's 1883 sale; other surviving terracottas are in museums in Calais and Poitiers and a plaster survives in Dijon.

RELATED LITERATURE
Hargrove pp.50-53, 264-65; Musées de Poitiers (1983), p.53, cat.16