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 Nouv
...eau — 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.
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Internal Reference: 741
Antique ID Number (AIDN): SA1176005
Dateline of this antique is 1900
Height is 43cm (16.9inches)Width is 14.5cm (5.7inches)Depth is 11cm (4.3inches)
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