Aristide Maillol

Acquis par le grand-père du propriétaire actuel

Glazed terracotta. The colour of the glaze appears uneven, but this is intrinsic to the firing process. There is 2 cm crack running horizontally to the belly of the figure, not visible in the catalogue illustration, probably due to the firing process, too. Apart from one minor loss of glazing in the base, inpainted, this work is in good condition.
"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."

signed 'M' (inside the base), glazed terracotta. Executed in 1895.

Fig. 1, Aristide Maillol, Fontaine en terre cuite vernissé, 1896, Musée Maillol, Paris

Cette œuvre de 1895 est sans doute l'une des premières terre cuites vernissées réalisées par l'artiste, et annonce l'omniprésence de la femme dans son œuvre sculpté. En 1896, cette œuvre servira de modèle pour la partie supérieure d'une fontaine en terre cuite vernissée conservée au musée Maillol (voir Fig. 1).

This 1895 wortk is without a doubt one of the first varnished terracottas by the artist, and heralds the omnipresence of the female figure in his sculptures.  This work was mounted on a fountain in 1896 (see Fig. 1).