catalog text
HENRI LEVASSEUR (FRENCH, 1853-1934) FINE ANTIQUE BRONZE SCULPTURE
Maiden w/ Rosary and Book, Paris c. 1900
Item # 1401YWB29PQ
A substantial and striking antique French bronze sculpture by Henri Levasseur, this is an exceptional and rather scarce work. It captures the solitary Maiden, the utmost example of chastity with a garb that stretches from her neck to the edges of her wrists, flowing down to obscure all but the tips of her shoed toes. Her gaze is thoughtful and calm, displaying in her face and manner a sense of humility that exudes through her relaxed demeanor, while exhibiting the strong shoulders of a proud and confident woman. In her arm she clasps a small book wrapped in the complex twists of her rosary while her other hand is opened and outstretched. Her dress is a most lovely, intricate and exacting representation of a full length dress; the deep folds and curls of the fabric are crisp and nearly photographic. It is difficult to say what element is absent from the left hand; it should be an element that stretches from her shoulder to her open fingertip, a tiny stub at the shoulder and tip of her finger.
Measurements: 31 11/16" high [80.5 cm]; base 10" wide x 9 3/8" deep
Condition Report:
Missing element in open hand (connecting from finger tip to shoulder); missing end of the rosary, the open loop visible under the hand that holds the book; abrasions to the corners of the base; light patina wear, though overall the patina is in exceptional condition throughout.