Alfred Boucher

Overall the condition of the marble is very good. There is some slight discolouration to the marble, visible in the catalogue photograph, which may be caused by naturally occuring veins within the marble. There is some slight wear to the surface 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."

Boucher's Tête de Diane was taken from his full figure group Diane Surprise, which the artist exhibited in 1893. The fragmenting and adapting of his models was one of Boucher's most distinctive methods. It allowed him to explore a myriad of possibilities within the same motif. There are a number of versions of the Tête de Diane which use different truncations. The present version is distinctive for its broad, horizontal treatment which outlines the goddess's beautiful shoulders.

RELATED LITERATURE
J. Piette, Alfred Boucher 1850-1934 "sculpteur - humanist", exh. cat. Musée Paul Dubois - Alfred Boucher, Nogent-sur-Seine, 2000, p. 50, no. 43