A cold painted spelter figurine, 20th century, France,…
click the photo to enlarge
A cold painted spelter figurine, 20th century, France, 'Chasseresse' after the Art Nouveau original by Rousseau, bearing a facsimile signature to the base, Paris foundry stamp, and raised on a mock rosso antico marble socle bearing title plaque. Height 41 cm

You must be a subscriber, and be logged in to view price and dealer details.

Subscribe Now to view actual auction price for this item

When you subscribe, you have the option of setting the currency in which to display prices to $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

This item has been sold, and the description, image and price are for reference purposes only.
  • Socle - The short plinth, usually cylindrical, that serves as a pedestal for a sculpture or vase
  • Spelter - Spelter was the name given to an alloy of zinc and brass or copper used in the 19th century for statuary and lighting. It is a brittle bluish-white metal. It was used as a cheap replacement for bronze, but being brittle easily breaks and can't be repaired. When finished it can often be mistaken for bronze, but if discreet a scratch on the base displays shows a greyish colour, the metal is spelter, if a golden colour the metal is most likely bronze.
  • Cold Painted - This is term applied to so-called "Vienna bronzes" manufactured in that city starting in late part of the 19th century, and it continued in the early 20th century, but was also used by sculptors working in other areas of Europe at the time..

    Traditionally bronzes are finished by treating them with various acids and chemicals and heats, and the patina is incorporated into the surface of the piece.

    A cold-painted bronze is decorated with oil paints. The color was not fired, hence the term "cold painted". Reputedly the painting was carried out mainly by women working at home, a typical cottage industry.
  • Art Nouveau Period - The Art Nouveau period was a cultural movement that emerged in the late 19th century, and was characterized by its emphasis on natural forms, flowing lines, and a decorative, ornamental style. Art Nouveau was a reaction against the ornate and heavily stylized designs of the previous era, and sought to create a new, more organic aesthetic.

    Art Nouveau was characterized by its use of sinuous, curving lines, as well as a focus on natural elements such as flowers, vines, and other organic shapes. Art Nouveau designers sought to create a total work of art, in which every element of a building or object was designed to be harmonious with the overall design.

    Some of the most iconic examples of Art Nouveau design include the Paris Metro entrances designed by Hector Guimard, the works of the artist Alphonse Mucha, and the architecture of Victor Horta in Brussels.

    The Art Nouveau period was at its peak between 1890 and 1910, but began to decline in popularity by the start of World War I. However, Art Nouveau remains an important influence on design and art to this day, and continues to be celebrated for its emphasis on natural forms and decorative style.

This item has been included into following indexes:

Visually similar items

A well modelled bronze figure of a Hellenistic youth. Height on circular base

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

An 18th century figure of Bala krishna with two Butterballs, south India, 12 cm high

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

A French spelter bronzed newel post lamp, sculpted as a young child holding aloft a flaming torch, the torch lamp of moulded glass to simulate flames. Raised on a green marble base with affixed label, 'Enfant Torchere ', after August Moreau. Height 93 cm

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.

A spelter figure 'Livre D'or' by Auguste Moreau (1834-1917), circa 1900, incised marks of maker to figure, an Art Nouveau cold painted woman in bronze tones, in flowing attire with a pen in one hand and paper in her left, raised upon a rocky and vegetal ba

Sold by in for
You can display prices in $Au, $US, $NZ or Stg.