FRENCH, CIRCA 1806-1815COMMEMORATIVE SCENE OF THE 1801 CONCORDAT |

polychromed papier-mâché figures in a showcase ; on a painted wood marbled basethe prie dieu inscribed with the initials M.C.T., M.D.N. and M.B.A.entitled on the base CONCORDATUM . FRANCO-GALLICUM ANNO . MDCCCI  PIUS VII . PONT . MAX ANN II NEAPOLEO GALLORUM IMPERATOR

There are small flakes and minor losses to the polychromy to the figures and throughout the painted interior of a chruch. The scene with surface dirt all over, notably on the floor to the front. A statue of a saint (Saint Dominic?) in a niche to the left is slightly detached from the wall. A few elements of the figures are missing (the left foot of a kneeling man to the front left, the two forelegs of the kneeling boy to the front right). An element appears to be missing to the front left with traces of glue visible on the floor. The painted wood stand with surface dirt and minor chips, notably along 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."

The Concordat was signed in 1801 between Pius VII and Joseph Bonaparte, brother of the First Consul Napoleon Bonaparte, on behalf of the French government. This agreement established the new official relations between the Church and the French State after the events of the Revolution. It was ratified by papal bull in August and promulgated the following year, during the second year of Pius VII's pontificate. It marked the official resumption of religious worship in France. An imperial decree, dated 19th February 1806 (see illustration), stated that on the 15th August, the day of the Assumption of the Virgin, the Saint-Napoléon and the Concordat was also to be celebrated. The scene here depicted is probably a Mass of the Assumption after the 1806 decree.