Albert Ernest Carrier-Belleuse

J. Hargrove, The Life and Work of Albert Carrier-Belleuse, New York and London, 1977, pp. 47-48, pl. 10

Overall in good original condition with the usual wear to the patina in places especially to high reliefs of the composition and such consistent with handling, touching, and cleaning. Light scratches consistent with age. Seam of construction visible to right arm. There is a brown circular stain to top of her left thigh.
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.

L'Odine is the heroine of Friederich de la Motte-Fouque's fairy romance. She is a water nymph who transforms into the child of a fisherman and later marries a knight. Carrier-Belleuse's model of L'Odine was blatantly inspired by Houdon's terracotta Diana (Hermitage Museum, St. Petersburg. Despite the sculpture's nudity it exhibits a modesty related to his other depictions of nymphs. He exhibited L'Odine at the Salon of 1864. Hargrove explains that the iconography of a woman amongst the brushes came about as Carrier was working on the sculptural program for the facade of the Casino at Vichy, which included a relief called La Source, depicting a nymph emerging from reeds.