Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd has dated this French Bronze Nude Sculpture to the 1900s.
Description
This elegant Belle Epoque sculpture portrays a youthful nude female figure turning modestly while gathering flowing drapery around her body. The fabric sweeps around the figure in broad rhythmic folds, suggesting flowing water and reinforcing the traditional association of La Source with purity, renewal and natural abundance.
The modelling combines classical poise with the softer flowing lines characteristic of French sculpture around the turn of the 20th century.
The bronze retains an attractive warm brown-green patina with naturally exposed golden bronze highlights to raised areas. The figure stands upon a shaped polished black marble base, believed to be original.
Auguste Moreau was a member of the prominent Moreau family of French sculptors and became known for elegant allegorical figures, graceful female subjects and decorative compositions combining academic modelling with Romantic naturalism.
Documented versions of La Source bearing Auguste Moreau's signature are known. The present sculpture is unsigned and smaller than a documented large-scale signed example. It is therefore responsibly catalogued as after Auguste Moreau, based upon the model and stylistic comparison, rather than presented as an autograph work by the artist.
No foundry mark has been identified and consequently no particular foundry or casting process is attributed without further documentary or technical evidence.
Dimensions and Weight
Overall height: 43 cm or approximately 16.9 inches.
Base width: 12.5 cm or approximately 4.9 inches.
Base depth: 11 cm or approximately 4.3 inches.
Maximum width: 14.5 cm or approximately 5.7 inches.
Weight: Approximately 4.7 kg or 10.4 lb.
All measurements and weights are approximate.
Condition Report
Offered in good original condition consistent with its circa 1900 date.
The brown-green patina remains deep and attractive, with warmer golden bronze tones visible across prominent areas. There is surface rubbing around areas including the arm and shoulder, exposing the natural bronze beneath. Minor casting pores and small surface flecks are visible upon close examination.
The black marble base displays age-related wear and several minor chips.
No cracks or repairs have been noted during visual examination. The figure remains secure upon its base and presents attractively from all angles.
Please examine all photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition report.
Provenance
Private collection.
Subsequently curated, researched and catalogued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD.
Worldwide Shipping
Worldwide shipping is available. The sculpture will be professionally packed, fully insured and dispatched using an appropriate tracked service.
Certificate of Sale and Dealer Attribution
The artwork will be supplied with a Certificate of Sale and Dealer Attribution issued by Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD, recording the artwork's catalogue details, attribution, provenance as stated and details of the sale. This document accompanies the work as part of its ongoing ownership and provenance record.
Cheshire Antiques Consultant LTD
Specialising in carefully curated British and European fine art, antiques and historic works of art. Every artwork is professionally researched and catalogued using comparative scholarship, published reference material and more than two decades of experience within the international fine art market.
Additional photographs and further information are available upon request.
Cheshire Antiques Consultant Ltd has dated this French Bronze Nude Sculpture to the 1900s.
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French Bronze La Source Nude Figure Circa 1900
