Bidspirit auction | A CONTINENTAL POLYCHROME-DECORATED FIGURE OF

A CONTINENTAL POLYCHROME-DECORATED FIGURE OF A BIRD SELLER (BLACKAMOOR SUBJECT), AUSTRIAN OR NORTHERN ITALIAN, LATE 19TH–EARLY 20TH CENTURY - Modeled as a standing young figure carrying a shoulder yoke suspending multiple gilt-metal bird cages containing carved birds, the figure shown barefoot and wearing a brightly painted skirt with gilt scrolling ornament on a red ground, the torso painted in dark polychrome with naturalistically rendered facial features and inset glass eyes, a rope harness crossing the chest and attached to the yoke, the cages of various forms including domed and rectangular examples, each containing small carved birds, the figure standing on a circular painted base. The work combines painted composition or plaster with gilt metal cage work and carved wooden bird elements, and reflects the European decorative arts tradition of so-called Blackamoor figures produced in Austria, Venice, and France in the late 19th century, often representing exoticized figures engaged in trade such as fruit sellers, torch bearers, or bird sellers. Please make all inquiries before bidding. All lots are sold ”as-is”, refer to our T&C. Helios Auctions offers in-house shipping. In case we can not accommodate a shipping request, a list of additional shippers will be provided. Dimensions: H: 15 in., (38 cm.) Condition: Base with small chips. Figure itself in very good condition.