A large 19th century bronze statue of the Neopolitan Dancer with tambourine from a model by Francisque Joseph Duret. Signed to base Duret f. and with a handwritten inscription below �csl cts�..In very good original condition..Fransisque Joseph Duret was born in 1804 and he first exhibited a pair of dancers, one with castanets and one with tambourine at the Paris Salon Exhibition of 1838 and in 1855 the scultures won a first class medal at the Paris Exposition Universelle. The earliest castings were made by the Belafontaine foundry from around 1838 onwards and larger 19th century examples are rarely seen..This is a beautiful and finely cast figure dating from around 1880 and the bronze has an excellent warm dark brown patina with no significant marks, issues or damage. Very heavy at approximately 6 kilos and standing firm and flat..An utterly joyous bronze statue, the fluidity of the dance, the sound of the tambourine and perfect balance of the dancer capturing a moment of beauty and elegance...Dimensions are:.43cm high, 19cm deep and 22cm wideI describe and photograph my pieces accurately and with the aim that on arrival each will exceed expectations.I operate a full refund guarantee and am always happy to give free, honest and friendly advice.