FRENCH, CIRCA 1600, | Head of a Child

In overall very good condition with minor surface dirt, notably in the crevices, and minor scratches at some places consistent with age and handling. There are some minor knocks at some places, notably on the tip of the Child’s nose, on one curl on the top of his forehead and on his ears. There is a small circular hole on the back, on the top centre of his neck, probably where the head was attached to a previous base. Very nicely modelled wax, good in all details and stylistically very representative of the period.
"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 round face with a large forehead, the short curly locks of hair and the narrowness of the mouth are characteristic of late 16th century French sculpture. These physical features are comparable to a marble Bust of a Child, formerly attributed to Germain Pilon, and a Head of a Young Woman with a hat, both from the Arconati-Visconti collection (Louvre museum, inv. no. 15158 and RF1647). RELATED LITERATURE
M. Beaulieu, Description raisonnée des sculptures du Musée du Louvre, Tome 2, Renaissance française, Paris, 1978, pp. 70-71, n° 113 et 114;
G. Bresc-Bautier (dir.), Germain Pilon et les sculpteurs français de la Renaissance, Paris, 1990, p. 48, pl. LVII.