Jesús Fructuoso Contreras

Overall the condition of the marble is very good with some minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a few very naturally occuring inclusions, including to the drapery on the reverse. There is some minor veining consistent with the material. There are a few slight dirt marks, including to the proper left arm. There are a few abrasions, including to 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."

This elegant nude was carved by the Mexican artist Jesús Fructuoso Contreras, who was active in Paris at the turn of the 20th century. The graceful figure draws attention to her nudity by gently clasping one breast and stretching forwards. The thin cloth draped around her arm is carved with fine delicacy. There is another version of the present marble in the Museo Andrés Blaisten in Mexico City.

Contreras trained at Nacional de Bellas Artes in Mexico, before moving to Paris, where he earned a medal in the 1889 Exposition Universelle. On returning to Mexico City, he was commissioned to complete a number of public monuments. Noteworthy among these is the series of twenty statues of distinguished figures from Mexican history, placed along the Paseo de la Reforma. Despite the high demands of his monumental projects, he combined these with small bronzes and decorative objects suited to reproduction; in doing so, he successfully mastered the modern art of sculptor-entrepreneur.

RELATED LITERATURE
E. Bénézit, Dictionnaire des peintres, sculpteurs, dessinateurs et graveurs, Gründ, 1999, vol. iii, p. 846