Art Nouveau Polychrome Bust “Enid” of a Young Woman, European, C. 1900–1915

Details

Description

This finely modeled Art Nouveau bust titled “Enid” depicts a serene young woman crowned with a laurel wreath, a classical … Read more This finely modeled Art Nouveau bust titled “Enid” depicts a serene young woman crowned with a laurel wreath, a classical symbol of virtue and poetic idealism widely used in European decorative arts at the turn of the 20th century. The softly expressive face, elongated neck, and stylized treatment of hair and garment are characteristic of the Art Nouveau aesthetic, emphasizing organic lines and refined femininity.
The sculpture is executed in a polychrome-painted composite material (plaster or spelter-style composition), retaining its original surface finish. The paint exhibits natural variation, wear, and loss across the face, neck, bodice, and base—consistent with age and entirely appropriate for an authentic antique example.
The bust rests on an integrated pedestal base with architectural detailing and the raised title “ENID” prominently displayed at the front within a scrolling cartouche. The underside of the base shows a perforated metal plate, typical of early 20th-century composite sculptures, indicating period construction and ventilation during casting or curing.
This piece presents beautifully from all angles, with particularly strong side and rear profiles highlighting the sculpted hair gathered into a low bun and the laurel leaves framing the head.
An evocative and decorative antique sculpture ideal for display on a mantel, bookshelf, console, or curio cabinet.
Circa 1900–1915
Materials
• Painted composite (plaster or spelter-style decorative material)
• Original polychrome surface
• Perforated metal plate on underside of base
Dimensions
• Height: 9-3/4”
• Base (length x width): 3” x 3”
• Sculpture length (front to back): 6”
• Sculpture width (side to side): 5”
• Weight: 3 lbs

• Art Nouveau
• Antique Sculpture
• Decorative Bust
• Art Nouveau
• Antique Sculpture
• Decorative Bust
• European Antiques
• Polychrome Sculpture
• Female Bust
• Titled Sculpture
• Turn of the Century
• Mantel Decor
• Classical Revival
• Laurel Wreath
• Architectural Decor• European Antiques
• Polychrome Sculpture
• Female Bust
• Titled Sculpture
• Turn of the Century
• Mantel Decor
• Classical Revival
• Laurel Wreath
• Architectural Decor See less