Denys Puech, 1893

Overall, the condition of the marble is very good, with some minor wear and dirt consistent with age. There are a few naturally occurring inclusions visible on the surface, including a filled one to the proper left side of her chest and two along the proper right thigh.There is some faint veining consistent with material, including along her proper left side and around the base. There are some minor nicks to the edges of 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. 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."

Denys Puech moved to Paris from Aveyron in 1872 and attended evening drawing classes at the Academie des Beaux-Arts. In 1875 he was accepted as a pupil of Jouffroy, Chapu and Falguière until 1884, when he was awarded the coveted Grand prix de Rome. He was given a stipend to study at the Villa Medici, to where he would triumphantly return as Director in 1921 (until 1933). Amongst many other appointments and awards, he was a committee member of the jury for the Salon des Artistes Français and received at first the Chevalier, in 1892, and later the cross of commandeur of the Legion d’Honneur, in 1908.

RELATED LITERATURE
E. Bénézit, Dictionnaire des peintres, sculpteurs, dessinateurs et graveurs, Paris, 1999, vol. xi, p. 291