This enchanting sculpture perfectly expresses the grace, freshness and innocence of youth for which Ugo Zannoni was admired by his contemporaries and students. The artist's soft finishing and meticulous attention to detail is reiterated throughout his oeuvre, which comprised of a large number of works dedicated to endearing portraits of children. This model was produced in two sizes; the present lot being an example of the larger, the smaller version standing 27½ inches in height. Both versions have been previously offered at Christie's, New York, 24 April 2002, lot 135 and Christie's, London, 28 January 1988, lot 207, respectively. An equally superior example of Zannoni's talent, entitled Her Favorite Pets, was sold at Christie's, New York, 24 October 2001, lot 125 ($55,000).