George Minne

Overall the condition of the marble is very good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a few light dirt marks and specks, including to the mother's forehead, her proper left shoulder, her waist, and the top of the terrasse. There are a few small naturally occurring inclusions to the marble, including at the mother's proper left eyebrow, her proper left wrist, and her back; some of these have some dirt or discolouration. There are a few very slight abrasions to the edges.
"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."

Minne conceived this serene marble of a woman embracing her infant son in 1923. Swept up in a diagonal wave emerging from the marble block, the figure of the mother represents, according to Van Puyvelde, 'le bonheur suprême de la maternité' (op. cit., p. 66). L'Extase maternelle may be considered a particularly tender manifestation of the Belgian symbolist sculptor's obsession with human emotions and the interior life.

RELATED LITERATURE
L. van Puyvelde, George Minne, Brussels, 1930, pp. 66, 82, and pl. 97