Jean Louis Brian (1805-1864), French, 1833

Overall the condition of the marble is very good. There is some wear and dirt to the surface consistent with age. There are a few minor veins visible on the surface consistent with material, including to the chest and proper left hip.
"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."

Jean Louis Brian (1805-1864), born in Avignon, was a student of David d'Angers. He is known for his many busts of politicians and for his sculptures with mythological subjects. In 1832 Brian was awarded the Prix de Rome for a piece entitled Capanée foudroyée les murs de Troie. The present marble was carved during Brian's time in Rome for his close friend Prosper Yvaren, a medical student who was also from Avignon. It is a characteristically classicising work and has been described by Antoinette Le Normand Romain as a triumph over the limitations of a small marble block.

RELATED LITERATURE
E. Bénézit, Dictionnaire des peintres sculpteurs dessinateurs et graveurs, Paris, 1999, vol. 2, p. 799; A. Le Normand Romain, La tradition classique et l'esprit romantique, les sculpteurs de l'Académie de France à Rome de 1824 à 1840, Rome, 1981, pp. 243-4, fig.69