Early 20th Century Sculpture of Child by Albert Maques in Terra Cotta

Details

Description

The terra-cotta figure, with oftly rounded limbs, downcast eyes, and a gentle demeanor is typical of works by Albert Marque … Read more The terra-cotta figure, with oftly rounded limbs, downcast eyes, and a gentle demeanor is typical of works by Albert Marque (1872-1929). The details are carefully rendered: the toes, the fleshy upper arms, the curls of the hair, and the facial features. The proportions give it an especially lifelike feel, almost as if the child is having a quiet thought and then will rise from his/her seated position.

The base is thick and rough edged in contrast to the child's skin, which is smooth and unblemished. There is a quietness about the figure that draws the viewer in.

Albert Marque (1872-1929) was a French sculptor known especially for his figures of children. Although he worked in marble and bronaze, he also made a number of pieces in Terra-cotta. This piece is an excellent example of the skill with which he could render the vulnerability and gentleness of young children.
My husband and I bought the sculpture from an Antiques dealer in Kingston, NY nearly forty years ago. He had no information about maker or provenance. Although there is a mark across the back of the base we did not decipher it for several years. It matches other pieces by Marque who was known for his sculptures of babies and young children. In fact, the piece is similar to several by Marque.

The piece measures:
Height: 17.5"
Width: 9.25" (knee to knee)
Depth: 7"
The piece is heavy, over 120 lb. See less