Antique Early 20th Century Figural Farmer Sculpture With Polychrome Paint

Details

Description

This vintage figural farmer sculpture dates to the early 1900s and is crafted from spelter, a zinc alloy commonly used … Read more This vintage figural farmer sculpture dates to the early 1900s and is crafted from spelter, a zinc alloy commonly used as an accessible alternative to bronze during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The figure is decorated with its original polychrome, or cold-painted, finish, displaying warm, muted colors consistent with age and handling. The composition depicts a mustached male farmer wearing a hat and simple work clothes, holding a seed basket in one hand and scattering seeds with the other.

The statue stands on an ornate gold-toned base featuring carved detailing that complements the rural subject matter. Elements such as wheat stalks and a small fence reinforce the agricultural motif and are characteristic of sculptural themes from this period. All components of the piece appear original, including the paint, base, and molded detailing.

Figures of this type were popular throughout Europe and the United States and were sometimes produced using molds associated with French sculptors such as L&F Moreau or Auguste Moreau, later reproduced by companies like J.B. Hirsch. These sculptures were typically sold as decorative objects and, in some cases, adapted for use as lamps. This example remains a standalone display piece with strong early 20th-century character. See less