Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse

Sotheby's London, The Orientalist Sale, 13 June 2006, lot 245

Overall, the condition of the terracotta is good, with dirt and some wear to the surface consistent with age. There is a slip to the surface which may conceal some condition points. There are some minor stable fissures to the base of the neck and at the proper right breast. There is a small fissure running through one of the coins on the proper left hand side of the necklace, there are a few small chips and losses to some of the coins. There are a few small stable fissures to the back by the signature, and to the proper left shoulder. There are some minor stable fissures to the top of the head at the back. There are some dark marks to the patina, including to the proper right collar bone and to the pearls at the chest. The bust is slightly loose on the blue tile, and there are some minor losses to the bottom edge. The blue tile is also slightly loose, and there is general wear to the wood socle.
"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 exuberant bust is a rare depiction of an Orientalist subject in Carrier-Belleuse's extensive oeuvre. Heavily romanticised and reminiscent of allegorical models such as Le Reveil, the present bust forms a contrast to the work of ethnographic sculptors such as Charles Henri Joseph Cordier (1827-1905).