Georges Henri Lemaire

Overall the condition of the hardstone is very good with some dirt and minor wear to the surface consistent with age with particular dirt in the deeper crevices. The joints around the neck are slightly open. There is a small area of restoration to the front of the hat. Two small sections of the mantle on the reverse and a part of the base on the reverse may have been filled. There are a few minor chips to the lower edge 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."

This exceptionally large and expertly cut hardstone statuette has not been published since it appeared at the Salon of 1908, where it won the Medaille d’Honneur and adorned one of the postcards used to promote the exhibition. Its maker, Georges Henri Lemaire, mainly produced commemorative medals before becoming the foremost hardstone carver in France at the turn of the century. He regularly appeared at the Salon, initially showing enormous cameos such as the 15.5 centimeter Messagers des dieux (1897) and 14.2 centimeter A la source (1904) now in the Musée d’Orsay (inv. nos. AOA 1138 and 1172). Later he graduated to producing entire statuettes from precious stone. Three are in public collections, La Silence and Etienne Marcel are in the Petit Palais in Paris (inv. no. OGAL00125) and a third, L’Egyptienne, is in the Musée Départmental de l’Oise in Beauvais (inv. no. 29 2). Dante and Etienne Marcel are obviously closely related as they both represent influential historical figures. They are the most ambitious of the statuettes since they both incorporate five different beautifully joined types of hardstones and ormolu mounts.