What is an allegorical bronze sculpture?

An allegorical bronze sculpture represents abstract ideas, human virtues, or natural elements through personified figures, a common artistic convention in nineteenth and early twentieth-century French art.

How were French bronze sculptures cast circa 1900?

French bronzes of this period were predominantly produced using lost-wax or sand casting methods, before being hand-finished with cold chiselling and patinated using chemical solutions to achieve deep brown or dark tones.

How can authentic turn-of-the-century bronze sculptures be identified?

Authentic bronzes typically feature foundry marks or artist inscriptions, crisp definition in the hair and drapery, precise casting seams, and original patination displaying age-appropriate wear.

How do you style a classical French bronze statue in a modern interior?

Place the sculpture on a mantelpiece, sideboard top, or library shelf against a neutral backdrop, allowing its dark silhouette and sculptural form to function as a focal point.

How should antique patinated bronze figures be preserved?

Dust the bronze regularly with a dry soft brush or microfibre cloth, avoiding liquid solvents or abrasive polishes, and apply microcrystalline wax sparingly to maintain the patination.

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French Bronze Allegory of Purity and Grace La Source C1900

Name: French Bronze Allegory of Purity and Grace La Source C1900
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1176005
Price: 4500 GBP
Availability: InStock

1900 - 1920

For Sale by Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

Description

After Auguste Moreau — La Source (The Spring), c. 1900

A Finely Cast French Art Nouveau Bronze Allegory of Purity and Grace

An Allegory of Flowing Purity

This refined French School Art Nouveau bronze, cast circa 1900 after Auguste Moreau (1834–1917), epitomizes the Belle Époque’s devotion to sensual elegance, natural rhythm, and poetic form.

La Source portrays a young nude woman modestly turning her head as she gathers a flowing drapery that encircles her like a living stream. The sculpture’s soft modeling and gentle movement evoke the calm purity of a natural spring — a timeless symbol of life and renewal.

Finished in a warm brown-green patina with subtle golden undertones and resting on its original black marble base, this bronze stands 43 cm (17 in) high and weighs 4.7 kg (10.4 lb) — a harmonious balance of scale, presence, and craftsmanship.

Artistic Context

Firmly rooted in the late 19th-century French School, this work reflects the height of Parisian Art Nouveau — an era when sculptors such as Auguste Moreau, Désiré Debut, and Louis-Ernest Barrias reimagined allegory through the language of motion and grace.

The theme of La Source (“The Spring”) — famously treated by Ingres in 1856 — became an enduring emblem of purity, feminine beauty, and unity with nature. This bronze captures that spirit through its lyrical anatomy, fluid drapery, and romantic restraint, hallmarks of leading foundries of the period such as Société des Bronzes de Paris and Siot-Decauville, celebrated for their exceptional lost-wax castings.

Details

Artist: After Auguste Moreau (French School, 1834–1917)

Title: La Source (The Source)

Medium: Bronze with warm brown-green patina on black marble base

Dimensions: 43 cm H × 12.5 cm W × 11 cm D (widest point 14.5 cm)

Weight: 4.7 kg (10.4 lb)

Signature: Unsigned (typical of foundry casts of this model)

Origin: French School, Belle Époque period

Highlights

Timeless Elegance: A luminous portrayal of purity and feminine grace — the essence of Belle Époque sculpture.

Authentic French Craftsmanship: A genuine period casting with finely chased detail and harmonious proportions.

Natural Poetry: Drapery and form flow together with serene, sensual rhythm.

Collector Appeal: A sought-after subject after Moreau, ideal for refined interiors or curated collections.

Investment Quality: A true early 20th-century bronze with enduring artistic and decorative value.

Condition Report

In good original condition, consistent with age and careful private ownership. The patina is deep and even — a warm brown-green hue with soft golden accents enhancing the sculptural depth.

Light rubbing on high points of the arm and shoulder reveals natural bronze beneath, considered normal and desirable for period bronzes.

Minor casting pores and small surface flecks are visible under close inspection, typical of early 20th-century foundry work. The black marble base shows minor wear and small chips consistent with age. No cracks or repairs noted. The piece retains its rich luster and sculptural integrity, presenting beautifully from all angles.

Shipping

Professionally packaged and fully insured for secure worldwide delivery.

Summary

After Auguste Moreau (French School, 1834–1917)

La Source (The Source), c. 1900

Bronze with brown-green patina on original black marble base

Height 43 cm (17 in) | Weight 4.7 kg | Unsigned

A superb French School Art Nouveau bronze cast after Auguste Moreau’s celebrated design — a timeless embodiment of purity, movement, and feminine beauty from the golden age of the Belle Époque.

Physical Dimensions

Height

43cm (16.93")

Width

14.5cm (5.71")

Depth

11cm (4.33")

Declaration

Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd has dated this French Bronze Female Sculpture to the 1900s.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1176005

Dealers Internal Reference

741

Dealers Notes

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Description

After Auguste Moreau — La Source (The Spring), c. 1900

A Finely Cast French Art Nouveau Bronze Allegory of Purity and Grace

An Allegory of Flowing Purity

“

This refined French School Art Nouveau bronze, cast circa 1900 after Auguste Moreau (1834–1917), epitomizes the Belle Époque’s devotion to sensual elegance, natural rhythm, and poetic form.

Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd

fig 1. A French bronze sculpture depicting a standing allegorical female nude figure draped in fabric on a dark marble base. — fig 1. French Bronze Allegory of Purity and Grace La Source C1900

La Source portrays a young nude woman modestly turning her head as she gathers a flowing drapery that encircles her like a living stream. The sculpture’s soft modeling and gentle movement evoke the calm purity of a natural spring — a timeless symbol of life and renewal.

fig 2. A French bronze sculpture depicting a standing allegorical female nude figure draped in fabric on a dark marble base. — fig 2. French Bronze Allegory of Purity and Grace La Source C1900

Finished in a warm brown-green patina with subtle golden undertones and resting on its original black marble base, this bronze stands 43 cm (17 in) high and weighs 4.7 kg (10.4 lb) — a harmonious balance of scale, presence, and craftsmanship.

fig 3. A French bronze sculpture depicting a standing allegorical female nude figure draped in fabric on a dark marble base. — fig 3. French Bronze Allegory of Purity and Grace La Source C1900

Artistic Context

Firmly rooted in the late 19th-century French School, this work reflects the height of Parisian Art Nouveau — an era when sculptors such as Auguste Moreau, Désiré Debut, and Louis-Ernest Barrias reimagined allegory through the language of motion and grace.

fig 4. A French bronze sculpture depicting a standing allegorical female nude figure draped in fabric on a dark marble base. — fig 4. French Bronze Allegory of Purity and Grace La Source C1900

The theme of La Source (“The Spring”) — famously treated by Ingres in 1856 — became an enduring emblem of purity, feminine beauty, and unity with nature. This bronze captures that spirit through its lyrical anatomy, fluid drapery, and romantic restraint, hallmarks of leading foundries of the period such as Société des Bronzes de Paris and Siot-Decauville, celebrated for their exceptional lost-wax castings.

fig 5. A French bronze sculpture depicting a standing allegorical female nude figure draped in fabric on a dark marble base. — fig 5. French Bronze Allegory of Purity and Grace La Source C1900

Details

Artist: After Auguste Moreau (French School, 1834–1917)

Title: La Source (The Source)

Medium: Bronze with warm brown-green patina on black marble base

Dimensions: 43 cm H × 12.5 cm W × 11 cm D (widest point 14.5 cm)

fig 6. A French bronze sculpture depicting a standing allegorical female nude figure draped in fabric on a dark marble base. — fig 6. French Bronze Allegory of Purity and Grace La Source C1900

Weight: 4.7 kg (10.4 lb)

Signature: Unsigned (typical of foundry casts of this model)

Origin: French School, Belle Époque period

Highlights

Timeless Elegance: A luminous portrayal of purity and feminine grace — the essence of Belle Époque sculpture.

fig 7. A French bronze sculpture depicting a standing allegorical female nude figure draped in fabric on a dark marble base. — fig 7. French Bronze Allegory of Purity and Grace La Source C1900

Authentic French Craftsmanship: A genuine period casting with finely chased detail and harmonious proportions.

Natural Poetry: Drapery and form flow together with serene, sensual rhythm.

Collector Appeal: A sought-after subject after Moreau, ideal for refined interiors or curated collections.

fig 8. A French bronze sculpture depicting a standing allegorical female nude figure draped in fabric on a dark marble base. — fig 8. French Bronze Allegory of Purity and Grace La Source C1900

Investment Quality: A true early 20th-century bronze with enduring artistic and decorative value.

Condition Report

In good original condition, consistent with age and careful private ownership. The patina is deep and even — a warm brown-green hue with soft golden accents enhancing the sculptural depth.

fig 9. A French bronze sculpture depicting a standing allegorical female nude figure draped in fabric on a dark marble base. — fig 9. French Bronze Allegory of Purity and Grace La Source C1900

Light rubbing on high points of the arm and shoulder reveals natural bronze beneath, considered normal and desirable for period bronzes.

Minor casting pores and small surface flecks are visible under close inspection, typical of early 20th-century foundry work. The black marble base shows minor wear and small chips consistent with age. No cracks or repairs noted. The piece retains its rich luster and sculptural integrity, presenting beautifully from all angles.

fig 10. A French bronze sculpture depicting a standing allegorical female nude figure draped in fabric on a dark marble base. — fig 10. French Bronze Allegory of Purity and Grace La Source C1900

Shipping

Professionally packaged and fully insured for secure worldwide delivery.

Summary

After Auguste Moreau (French School, 1834–1917)

La Source (The Source), c. 1900

Bronze with brown-green patina on original black marble base

fig 11. A French bronze sculpture depicting a standing allegorical female nude figure draped in fabric on a dark marble base. — fig 11. French Bronze Allegory of Purity and Grace La Source C1900

Height 43 cm (17 in) | Weight 4.7 kg | Unsigned

A superb French School Art Nouveau bronze cast after Auguste Moreau’s celebrated design — a timeless embodiment of purity, movement, and feminine beauty from the golden age of the Belle Époque.