Jean-Baptiste-Joseph De Bay

Overall the condition of the plaster is very good. There is some minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age, with some particular wear to the shoulders and heel of the proper right foot. There are a few repaired fissures including to one side of the calipers. There are a few stable hairline fissure visible on the surface including at the proper left shoulder and wrist. There are a few minor chips to the lower edge of the base.
"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 present plaster was conceived as part of De Bay's Les trois parques (The Three Fates). A complete plaster version was exhibited at the Salon of 1827 (no. 1778) and the Exposition Universelle of 1855 (no. 4321) and acquired by the Musée d’Angers in 1866. De Bay has captured the gripping moment when Atropos prepares to cut the thread of a mortal's time with her presaging shears. The group includes Atropos alongside her two younger sisters: Clotho, who spun the thread, and Lachesis, who measured its length. The frieze on the pedestal of the group shows the Dance of Hours, and was created by De Bay’s son, suggesting that the present base may also have been created by the apprentice.

 RELATED LITERATURE
L. and R. Ménard, Musée de peinture et de sculpture ou recueil des principaux tableaux statues et bas-reliefs, Paris, 1872, pp. 43-44, pl. 46; S. Lami, Dictionnaire des Sculpteurs de l’école française, au dix-neuvième siècle, Paris, 1914, vol. II, pp. 119-126