JEAN-ANDRÉ DELORME | Mercure attachant ses talonnières (Mercury tying his sandals)

Overall, the condition of the marble is very good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There is some minor veining to the marble, consistent with the material, including some slightly dark veins to the back of the proper right shoulder, to the back below the proper right shoulder, to the back at the centre and to the proper left big toe. There are minor inclusions to the surface, consistent with the material, including a series of inclusions to the proper right shoulder at the front, to the proper right thigh, and a small inclusion to the proper left side of the neck. There are a few minor chips to the edges and corners of the base, including a slightly larger chip to the proper left front corner. The separate wooden base is in good condition with minor stable splitting to the wood, consistent with the material.
"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 beautiful model was exhibited at the Salon in plaster in 1876, and in marble in 1880. It was hailed as 'assurément une des plus belles statues qui aient paru depuis un demi-siècle' ('surely one of the most beautiful statues to have appeared for half a century') by the eminent critic M. Havard (Le Passe-temps et le parterre, 12 December 1909, p. 6). The life-size marble was acquired by the French state and is now in the Musée des Tissus et des Arts décoratifs, Lyon.