Roger Guibourge

Overall in good condition and presentation. There is a professional restoration to the child's right big toe and the other two toes next to it. Although the present marble group was exhibited in a room prior to today's consignment, it is possible that at some stage of its existence the marble sculpture was exhibited outside. This led to an acid wash cosmetic conservation to retrieve the original white tone of the stone. The expert's eye can notice white over-paint touches to back head, headdress, shoulder and upper arms at the right side. One can imply that this cosmetic over paint restoration is the result of toning down a natural hairline crack that could have been filled with dirt overtime. However, one can ascertain that the white over paint is not the result of a restoration due to a former break. The stone shows some black colored dots consistent with natural veining of marble located at the child' left side of head and cheek. As visible in the catalogue illustration, there are chips to the bottom edge of the circular base. The original pedestal (full view on Sothebys.com) has also traces of dirt and minor scratches and chips to edges.
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.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

This sculptural group is a direct artistic interpretation of The Finding of Moses (Exodus. 2:1-10). Fearful of the Israelites' growing number in Egypt, the Pharaoh ordered all the male infants put to death. To save her child, Moses's mother placed him in an ark of bulrushs in the Nile and he was found by Pharaoh's daughter who had gone to the river to bathe.