Antique Ivorine Spelter Sculpture: Shepherdess on Marble Plinth

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This exquisite antique sculpture beautifully captures the image of a shepherdess tenderly looking after her flock of sheep. Standing at … Read more This exquisite antique sculpture beautifully captures the image of a shepherdess tenderly looking after her flock of sheep. Standing at nearly 12 inches tall, the figure is a stunning blend of craftsmanship and artistic detail. The central structure of the sculpture is crafted from a bronze spelter alloy type of metal.

Her face, forearms, and upper chest are crafted from Ivorine, a cream-colored synthetic ivory. This material gives the sculpture a soft, lifelike quality, especially around the facial features, where the delicate detailing in her eyes, lips, and nose capture a serene, gentle expression. Her thick, dark curls of hair spill from beneath a wide-brimmed sun hat that frames her lovely face.

The shepherdess is portrayed in a classic period dress, rendered in dark brown hues adorned with intricate frills around the bodice, and below the cinched in area of her waist accentuating the delicate curves of her figure. The rounded hem of the skirt is also trimmed with frills and a decorative ribbon.

She leans slightly forward with a raised head, her gaze directed outward as though searching for her sheep, evoking the timeless image of "Little Bo Peep." Her left hand clenches the edge of her dress, preparing to lift it as she takes a gentle step forward with her left leg while she holds a shepherd’s staff in her right hand.

The sculpture rests upon a double-tiered plinth. The top tier is a thick, round piece of marble, in soft shades of pink and cream, which beautifully complements the warm tones of the bronze spelter. Beneath that, the second tier is a thinner, round piece of smooth black stone.

Despite its traditional subject matter, this piece has a versatility that allows it to work seamlessly in a variety of interior design settings. See less