catalog text
LOUIS JULIEN (JULES) FRANCESCHI
French, 1825-1893
The Goddess Isis
Patinated bronze | signed to the edge of base "J. FRANCESCHI" | cast circa 1890-1900
Item # 409LRJ22W
A very fine casting of The Goddess Isis, this was the second time Franceschi depicted her in statuette form. The one other example Franceschi modeled is quite serious and evokes a sense of power, depicting an older and more wisened Isis devoid of humor and hardened by her duty.
This example is playful and fun, a depiction of Isis as a youth, the young woman portrayed with just a hint of a smile tugging at her mouth and her kind eyes. She lifts her hand to raise a flower in offering, an element that has long since been lost and would normally project from her outstretched fingers. She wears the headress of feathers surmounted by a serpent's head typically associated with the goddess, resting almost weightless on a throne draped in a garment with a standing figure of a partially mumified royal youth motionless and devoid of emotion leaning against her throne. Symbols on the opposing side of the throne relate to offering, perhaps reading something to the effect of "An offering made for the gift of life, praise and protection."
While Franceschi modeled two subjects of Isis, only one was exhibited at the Salon in 1894 the year following his death (no. 3102). We reason the exhibited example was the present model, as the other example was produced at least as early as 1874 (one documented cast was founded by Delasalle et Cie, which ceased operations in 1874).
Finished in a translucent and jewel-like patination, nearly black but with nuance, relieving and variation that captures light brilliantly, she is an absolute strikepoint and impossible to walk past without pausing. The signature is crisply carved into the metal after casting.
LOUIS JULIEN FRANCESCHI
French by naturalization and Italian by birth, Louis Julien Franceschi was born in Bar-sur-Aube on 11 January 1825. He studied under François Rude and made his debut at Salon in 1848 at just 23 years old. His sculpture ranged from the historical to the allegorical and mythological while also capturing portraits of his contemporaries, popular public figures such as Jacques Offenbach and Charles Gounod. He earned medals in 1861, 1864 and 1869 before being made a Chevalier of the Légion d'Honneur in 1874.
Measurements: 30 7/8" H x 8 1/2" D x 10 1/8" W
Condition Report:
Carefully cleaned and sealed in conservator's wax. A well-preserved patination with handling wear and rubbing, particularly to upraised elements and spots on her upraised hand. Very light scratch to her upper thigh and a few other very minor spots of abrading. Figure is lacking the flower she should hold in her upraised hand. Two tiny holes on the front of the base and faint trace outline where a title placard would have been affixed at one point.