Barthélémy Frison

Overall the condition of the marble is very good, with minor dirt and wear consistent with age. The proper right toe is restored. There is minor veining to the marble, consistent with the material, in particular across the back, to the drapery on the seat, to the woman's legs and at the terrasse. There is a very slightly visible vein running from the forehead through to the proper right cheek. There are some small naturally occurring inclusions to the marble, in particular at the back. There are a few very small chips and scratches to the sides and corners of the terrasse. There is a chip to the drapery at the back of the chair. The red marble base is in good condition with a few minor chips and scratches.
"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."

Born in Tournai in 1816, Frison first studied in Paris under Jules Ramey (1796 – 1852) and Augustin-Alexandre Dumont (1801-1884), and enrolled at l’École de Beaux-Arts in 1842. He appeared at the Paris Salon for the first time in 1847, subsequently winning a third-class medal in 1851, an honourable mention at the 1855 World's Fair, and a second-class medal at the Salon of 1863. The current model depicts Delilah, one of several dangerous seductresses in the Hebrew Bible, who, in the Book of Judges, betrayed Samson by cutting his hair. The marble was commissioned by the state for a sum of 5000 francs after a plaster model which was exhibited in the salon of 1869. 

RELATED LITERATURE
S. Lami, Dictionnaire des Sculpteurs de l’école Française, Paris, 1914, vol. 2., pp. 424-427