catalog text
MODEL OF A YOUNG MAIDEN SEATED ON A ROCK WITH THREE BIRDS BY MATHURIN MOREAU (FRENCH, 1822-1912)
Cast by Susse Freres, signed "Matr. Moreau", "Susse Fr. Paris Edt." and "Copyright Susse Freres 1898"
Item # C103101
A work that captures the very essence of the Art Nouveau spirit, this excellent model by Mathurin Moreau depicts a young maiden seated on a rock with a bird in hand while two other birds fly about beneath her. She appears almost to be in conversation with the bird in hand, her face a picture of harmony with the present. The sculpture is of exceedingly fine quality, the casting work leaving only the slightest hints of joinery and construction in this complicated model. The surface is perfectly finished, the skin flawlessly smooth and the details of her eyelids, finger nails, the feathers of the birds and twists of her slight garment chased and filed into photographic detail. The sculpture is finished in it's original brown patina with hints of red undertones. The base notes that this subject was edited by the Susse brothers, the work being noted as a copyright model in 1898. The sculpture is quite scarce and will likely not appear on the open market for many years - it is an exquisite acquisition for the serious collector and connoisseur of Art Nouveau sculpture.
References and Notes:
- E. Benezit Dictionary of Artists, Gründ, p. 1285-86
- Bronzes of the Nineteenth Century: Dictionary of Sculptors, Kjellberg, p. 511-18
- Art Bronzes, Forrest, p. 480
- Bronzes: Sculptors and Founders 1800-1930, Berman - a collective of 44 Mathurin Moreau sculptures in the four volumes, present example not depicted
Measurements: 24 1/4" H x 9 1/8" base diameter
Condition Report:
Light patina wear throughout, minor abrasions to crown of head, verdigris oxidization along base, some dust in crevices. Overall exceptional condition.