Object Description
These wonderful patinated bronze sculptures were created in France in the 19th Century when Orientalist art was in fashion. They are the work of the prestigious sculptor, Jean Jules Salmson (French, 1823-1902). Titled ‘La Porteuse’ and ‘Le Guerrier Arabe’, the statues depict a woman carrying a water urn and a male Arab warrior. Salmson created the models in the late 19th Century: the female figure was made in 1880 and the male in 1875. They are signed ‘SALMSON’ on their bases.
The Arab warrior is portrayed as a bearded male figure who frowns and looks out at the viewer. His head, shoulders and back are covered by a headscarf which he gathers together at his side. The warrior carries a rifle on his back and has tucked a pistol and sabre into his belt. The water-carrier is depicted as a beautiful young woman with her eyes lowered to the ground. She wears a headdress and a loose gown which she clasps in one hand. The other holds a water urn by her side. Salmson has recorded the figures’ features and draperies with exceptional attention to detail so that they are very naturalistic in style. The sculptures are set on stepped, circular plinths which are crafted from siena marble.
Male figure- Height 67cm, diameter 23cm
Female figure- Height 61cm, diameter 23cm