Alfred Boucher

Overall the condition of the marble is very good. There is some minor wear to the surface consistent with age. Chisel marks are visible at the proper left shoulder blade and across the stomach. The marble has recently been given a good professional clean.
"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."

Boucher exhibited a relief of La Philosophie de l'Histoire at the Salon in 1898 and again at Exposition Universelle of 1900. The girl looks sadly out over the rocks to sea where a sail boat can be seen carved in very low relief, departing towards the horizon. As with many of his other conceptions, Boucher varied and re-worked the model several times. Another version is in the collection of the Musée Paul Dubois – A. Boucher in Nogent-sur-Seine. The museum's version is a taller and narrower composition with the rock extending further above the girl's head and the addition of billowing clouds above the boat. The figure was later adapted in bronze for the monument to Auguste Burdeau (1851-1894), a French republican politician.

RELATED LITERATURE
J. Piette, Alfred Boucher 1850-1934 "sculpteur – humaniste", ex. cat. Musée Paul Dubois – Alfred Boucher, Nogent-sur-Seine, 2000, no. 49, p. 55