Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux

Sotheby's London, 2 November 2001, lot 200

There is wear and dirt to the patina throughout, including areas of raised black specks and slight greening to the skin on the upper body and upper back, greened moisture stains to the legs and specks of white pigment around her lap. There is some scratching to the patina around the eyes and nose. The knees have some nicks. There is dust to the crevices. The base has two dents to its edge at the reverse. A PROPRIETE CARPEAUX stamp is scratched out next to the legible stamp at he reverse. Otherwise the condition of the bronze is good.
"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."

Suzanne surprise was one of Carpeaux's final works. The original plaster model, which featured in the 1913 Carpeaux sale, is signed and dated 1872. The model belongs to the series of expressive, almost wind-swept, figures and groups by the sculptor which include the Genie de la Danse, La Ville de Valenciennes défendant la patrie and Frère et soeur. Suzanne surprise was edited by the atelier Carpeaux in terracotta, bronze and marble. The number of models produced in all three materials was limited and only three bronze versions of the model were included in Carpeaux's sales in 1873 and 1874. According to Poletti and Richarme, the model appears not to have been given a posthumous edition by Susse. The present bronze is a particularly fine atelier cast.

RELATED LITERATURE
M. Poletti and A. Richarme, Jean Baptiste Carpeaux sculpteur. Catalogue raisonné de l'oeuvre édité, Paris, 2003, p. 96-97, no. SE 19