Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux

Overal the condition of the terracotta is excellent. There is some minor wear and 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."

Carpeaux modelled his figure of Eve tentée at the end of his life whilst staying with his friend the painter Bruno Chérier in Montparnasse in 1874. It relates closely to the sculptor's Daphnis et Chloé of the previous year. The sculptor was still working on this latter model as the large marble version of Daphnis et Chloé, commissioned by Lord Ashburton, was also executed in Montparnasse in 1874. The intimate whisperings of Chloe's lover are replaced by those of the devil in serpent form, equally beguiling. The present terracotta is a rare version of the model, which was edited by the atelier for only a year before Carpeaux's death and in a small posthumous edition by the family.

RELATED LITERATURE
Poletti & Richarme (2003), pp. 82-83, no. SE 6