Émile-Antoine Bourdelle

Private Collection (and sold: Sotheby's, London, December 4, 1985, lot 159)
Private Collection, California (acquired at the above sale)
Thence by descent

Jacques A. Mithouard, Emile-Antoine Bourdelle, Paris, 1924, illustration of the larger version p. 9
André Fontainas, Bourdelle, Paris, 1930, no. 17, illustration of the larger version pl. 17
Paul Lorenz, Bourdelle, Sculptures et dessins, Paris, 1947, no. 25, illustration of another cast n.p.
Pierre Descargues, Bourdelle, Paris, 1954, illustration of the larger version p. 38
Ionel Jianou & Michel Dufet, Bourdelle, Paris, 1978, no. 400, catalogued p. 108
Carol M. Lavrillier & Michel Dufet, Bourdelle et la critique de son temps, Paris, 1979, illustration of the larger version pl. 20
Peter Cannon-Brookes, Emile-Antoine Bourdelle, London, 1983, illustrations of another cast pl. 89 & p. 62

The sculpture is in good condition. It displays a uniform black patina. Its rock-like base appears slightly textured where the patina shows wear in some areas. The top of the bow, which had been previously bent downward is now correctly positioned. No significant scratches or abrasions were noted on the surface. A fresh coat of wax protects the sculpture. The sculpture is structurally sound. The above condition report has been prepared by Wilson Conservation, Inc., independant restorers who are not Sotheby's employees.
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.

For the present work, Bourdelle used as a model the athlete-soldier Doyen Parigot, who insisted that the sculptor use a different model for the head.