Émile Picault

Polished bronze base highly oxidized and dirty with scratches. As visible in the catalogue illustration, both in good condition with the usual wear to the top of the heads and very minor scratches in places. There are some traces of old stickers to the female's right hand side hip. One earring broken on female figure. Both figures were previously mounted in lamps resulting in two drilled holes to the back of their shoulders and two to the base.
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.

The legendary Queen Nitocris succeeded Menthuophis (who was either her brother or her husband) as ruler of Egypt following his murder circa 2200 BC. In Nitocris' six year reign there were two particularly important events: the completion of the Third Pyramid and the dreadful revenge against the murderers of Menthuophis. Nitocris instigated the latter by organising a banquet for all the accomplices in a purposefully constructed underground chamber. During the feast the chamber was suddenly flooded with water channelled from the Nile through a hidden pipe. Everyone drowned apart from Nitocris herself, who had arranged an escape.

Picault was a student under Royer and exhibited a wide genre of sculpture at the Salon between 1863-1909. His Egyptian figures are some of his most popular works. The present pair are also known under the alternative title of The Pharoah's Gift and The Queen's Offering