1890s Art Nouveau Carmen Statue by Luca Madrassi

Description

Lively and beautiful, this antique French Art Nouveau statue is a woman in a flowing gypsy dress, one hand raised … more Lively and beautiful, this antique French Art Nouveau statue is a woman in a flowing gypsy dress, one hand raised and head tilted. This is a statue of Carmen (the gypsy from Bizet's opera), signed by the Italian-French sculptor Luca Madrassi.

Dating to the about 1890, the sculpture is cast metal, probably spelter, and has a rich greenish gray patina overall, with the skin painted brown and lots of lovely details. She was more colorful originally -- in many places the finish has worn down to the silver metal. The statue stands on a metal plinth (appears to be copper), labeled Carmen par [by] L. Madrassi. The statue is also signed Madrassi on the back.

This statue is in very good condition overall, despite the wear to the finish. The right arm has been broken and repaired above the wrist, and there's one hole in the metal on the skirt (see photos). Even with this wear, it's a beautiful, impressive piece. less