Bidspirit auction | Art Nouveau Bronze Allegorical Figure

Art Nouveau Bronze Allegorical Figure L'Etoile du Berger After Henri Levasseur - This Art Nouveau sculpture depicts a partially draped female figure, an allegory for the Shepherd's Star (L'Etoile du Berger). The figure is cast in bronze and presented in a dynamic walking gait with her right arm raised holding a small cluster of fruit or flowers, while her left arm rests by her side. The work features the fluid, organic drapery and graceful form characteristic of the late 19th and early 20th century French school. The bronze figure stands on an integrated circular base, which is secured to a separate conical dark marble plinth via a threaded rod and hexagonal nut. Indistinct and heavily worn incised marks are present on the top of the integrated bronze base. A circular aperture is located at the crown of the head, indicating the piece may have originally served as a component for a lamp or a clock topper. 12.5 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches. The bronze shows significant wear to the dark patina on high points. There is a visible horizontal line on the right forearm that may indicate a casting flaw or an old repair. A circular hole is present at the top of the figure's head. The marble plinth exhibits minor chipping around the upper rim and general surface wear.