For inquiries about this item, please scroll to the bottom the page: “enquire about this item”
Signed | Circa 1860 | Ornate Gilt Bronze Base
We are delighted to present this exceptional and museum-quality large bronze sculpture, masterfully created and signed by the celebrated French sculptor Auguste Moreau, dating to circa 1860. Distinguished by its impressive scale, refined execution, and poetic subject matter, this sculpture represents one of the finest examples of 19th-century French bronze artistry.
This remarkable work showcases the virtuosity of Moreau’s sculptural language—combining elegance, narrative charm, and extraordinary attention to naturalistic detail. It is a commanding centerpiece that instantly elevates any serious collection or interior.
The sculpture depicts a beautifully orchestrated allegorical scene centered around a graceful young woman accompanied by two playful putti (cherubs):
One putto perches mischievously on the woman’s shoulder, gently tugging at her flowing hair
The woman reacts naturally, holding her hair aside with one hand while supporting the cherub with the other
A second putto is seated near her feet, partially concealed beneath a large, finely detailed leafy plant
The figure stands upon a naturalistic flowerbed, where a delicately modeled dragonfly appears near her feet—an exquisite detail symbolizing lightness and movement
The interaction between figures conveys warmth, charm, and subtle motion. The woman’s hair is finely sculpted strand by strand, cascading with remarkable realism, while the anatomy of the figures reflects academic precision and artistic sensitivity.
Clearly signed “Auguste Moreau”, located near the knee of the seated putto
Mounted on an ornate gilt bronze base, richly decorated and beautifully contrasting with the sculpture’s deep patina
High-quality bronze casting with crisp details, consistent with prestigious Parisian foundry standards of the period
Excellent antique condition
Strong, even original patina throughout
No breaks, restorations, or structural issues
Minor surface wear consistent with age and authenticity
This sculpture has been exceptionally well preserved and displays beautifully from every angle.
Height: 73 cm / 29 inches
Base Diameter: 34 cm / 13 inches
A substantial and visually commanding work, far larger than most comparable sculptures by the artist.
Auguste Moreau (Dijon, 1834 – Malesherbes, 1917) was a prominent French sculptor from the renowned Moreau family. Trained at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, he first exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Français in 1861, continuing until 1913. His work is admired for its elegance, refined realism, and lyrical compositions, and today his signed bronzes are highly sought after by collectors worldwide.
An heirloom-quality 19th-century French sculpture of timeless beauty, exceptional craftsmanship, and enduring artistic significance.
Bevalt deze persoonlijkheid je?
For inquiries about this item, please scroll to the bottom the page: “enquire about this item”
Signed | Circa 1860 | Ornate Gilt Bronze Base
We are delighted to present this exceptional and museum-quality large bronze sculpture, masterfully created and signed by the celebrated French sculptor Auguste Moreau, dating to circa 1860. Distinguished by its impressive scale, refined execution, and poetic subject matter, this sculpture represents one of the finest examples of 19th-century French bronze artistry.
This remarkable work showcases the virtuosity of Moreau’s sculptural language—combining elegance, narrative charm, and extraordinary attention to naturalistic detail. It is a commanding centerpiece that instantly elevates any serious collection or interior.
The sculpture depicts a beautifully orchestrated allegorical scene centered around a graceful young woman accompanied by two playful putti (cherubs):
One putto perches mischievously on the woman’s shoulder, gently tugging at her flowing hair
The woman reacts naturally, holding her hair aside with one hand while supporting the cherub with the other
A second putto is seated near her feet, partially concealed beneath a large, finely detailed leafy plant
The figure stands upon a naturalistic flowerbed, where a delicately modeled dragonfly appears near her feet—an exquisite detail symbolizing lightness and movement
The interaction between figures conveys warmth, charm, and subtle motion. The woman’s hair is finely sculpted strand by strand, cascading with remarkable realism, while the anatomy of the figures reflects academic precision and artistic sensitivity.
Clearly signed “Auguste Moreau”, located near the knee of the seated putto
Mounted on an ornate gilt bronze base, richly decorated and beautifully contrasting with the sculpture’s deep patina
High-quality bronze casting with crisp details, consistent with prestigious Parisian foundry standards of the period
Excellent antique condition
Strong, even original patina throughout
No breaks, restorations, or structural issues
Minor surface wear consistent with age and authenticity
This sculpture has been exceptionally well preserved and displays beautifully from every angle.
Height: 73 cm / 29 inches
Base Diameter: 34 cm / 13 inches
A substantial and visually commanding work, far larger than most comparable sculptures by the artist.
Auguste Moreau (Dijon, 1834 – Malesherbes, 1917) was a prominent French sculptor from the renowned Moreau family. Trained at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, he first exhibited at the Salon des Artistes Français in 1861, continuing until 1913. His work is admired for its elegance, refined realism, and lyrical compositions, and today his signed bronzes are highly sought after by collectors worldwide.
An heirloom-quality 19th-century French sculpture of timeless beauty, exceptional craftsmanship, and enduring artistic significance.
Bevalt deze persoonlijkheid je?
