Object Description
Very large spelter Orientalist sculpture attributed to Hottot
French, Late 19th Century
Height 194cm, width 84cm, depth 75cm
This sensational life-size figural group depicts a female figure leaning against a table. The woman wears a typical Orientalist dress, with the patination of the spelter adding life-like variation to her body and clothing. Her coloured jewellery provides a subtle contrast against the muted tones of the pewter. She holds a small foliate-shaped fan in her right hand.
Sitting next to the woman on top of the table is a large bronzed and gilt vase of a highly ornate design. The vase features intricate Arabic calligraphy rendered in shining gilt, which sits atop stunning arabesque and geometric relief work.
The woman and vase are supported by a small table featuring geometric Moorish patterns rendered in the Alhambra style. The colours and decoration of the table excellently complement the other sculptural pieces of the group.
The sculpture is attributed to the French sculptor Louis Hottot (1829-1905), who was a specialist in Orientalist scenes and figures cast from spelter.
With its impressive size and design, this piece is a fabulous collector’s item, and would be a great addition to any Orientalist collection.