Antique European Patinated Bronze Figure of a Boy Holding a Shell, Circa 1900

Details

Description

Charming antique European bronze sculpture depicting a young boy presenting a large scallop shell, dating from the late 19th to … Read more Charming antique European bronze sculpture depicting a young boy presenting a large scallop shell, dating from the late 19th to early 20th century, circa 1900.

The standing figure is modeled with a youthful face, softly curled hair and a lightly draped garment wrapped around his waist and crossing his torso.

Held carefully in both hands is a large naturalistically modeled scallop shell, its deeply ribbed surface creating a particularly attractive contrast with the smooth modeling of the figure.

The sculpture is cast in bronze with a rich dark brown patina. Areas of lighter wear to the high points, together with small traces of natural green oxidation, give the surface considerable depth and character.

The boy stands on an integral circular bronze base decorated around his feet.

The figure is hollow cast, visible from the underside, in keeping with traditional bronze casting techniques.

No artist’s signature or foundry mark has been identified, and the work is therefore conservatively described as European School, circa 1900. Similar decorative bronze figures of children carrying shells were produced in France and Italy during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The sculpture remains in attractive antique condition with age-related surface wear, scratches and rubbing to the patina, particularly on the base and raised areas. Small areas of verdigris and oxidation are also visible around the shell, feet and drapery.
These traces are consistent with age and use and have been intentionally preserved as part of the bronze’s antique character.
Please refer carefully to the detailed photographs for condition.

A particularly appealing decorative bronze, combining classical inspiration with the charming naturalistic genre sculpture popular in Europe around the turn of the 20th century.

European School
Late 19th / early 20th century
Circa 1900
Patinated bronze
Unsigned

Dimensions:
Height: 16.1 in. (41 cm)
Base diameter: 4.1 in. (10.5 cm)
Maximum width: 4.7 in. (12 cm)
Depth: approximately 5.9 in. (15 cm) See less