Cecil de Blaquiere Howard

Paris, Exposition universelle, 1937, American Pavilion 

Overall, the condition of the bronze is good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. The terrasse has a darker patina than the body, which may be attributable to having been stored in a damp atmosphere. There are spots of greening to the top of the terrasse. There is a very subtle, slightly streaked, colour variation in the patina throughout. There are various minor dirt marks and paint residues to the surface of the bronze. There is some dark spotting to the bronze, including to the chest. There is wear to the patina at the proper right elbow. There are a few minor scratches, including to the terrasse. There is some, probably original, pitting to the bronze, including to the surface of the legs. There are a few small original plugs, including one to the proper left side of the thorax.
"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 bronze nude was awarded a Grand Prix when exhibited at the Exposition Universelle of 1937. The stone original, carved en taille directe, was presented at the Salon des Tuileries in 1928, and later entered the collections of the Whitney Museum of American Art, New York in 1941, under the title Figure. A smaller cast of the present bronze was sold at Drouot in Paris on 8 October 2014, lot 157 for €10,200.