English collector, since circa 1970

T. Burollet and N. Gourand, Bartholomé: La redécouverte d’un grand sculpteur, Paris, 2017, pp. 245-247, no. S.6/13/B

Overall the condition of the marble is very good, with minor dirt and wear to the surface consistent with age. There are a few small naturally occurring inclusions to the marble, notably at the lower back. There is also an inclusion, or possibly a very small chip, to one of the high points of the veil at the top of the head. There is some slight veining to the marble, consistent with the material, in particular at the lower back. There are a few light surface dirt marks, including to the terrasse above the signature. There is a chip to one of the corners at the bottom, and there are a few further very small chips to the bottom edge.
"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."

Albert Bartholomé was an autodidact who focused on painting for much of his early career. After the tragic early death of his wife in 1886, he devoted himself to sculpting. Many of his works exude a peaceful melancholy, which can also be found in his most famous Monument to the Dead at Père Lachaise cemetery in Paris, finished in 1899. Together with Rodin's Gates of Hell, this has often been seen as one of the greatest expressions of symbolist sculpture. Bartholomé won the Grand Prize for sculpture at the Exposition Universelle in 1900, and continued to have a successful career as a sculptor.

RELATED LITERATURE
P. Kjellberg, Bronzes of the 19th Century: Dictionary of Sculptors, London, 1994, pp. 52-53