Offered by Marius Simon Antiquités
19th century and Art Nouveau furniture and objets d'art
Elegant statue of a woman in white marble with a cherub at her feet. Magnificent late 19th century sculpture by James Pradier depicting an allegory of the day. On this sculpture, the woman depicted seems to rise into the sky, resting on a cloud surrounded by flowers, she uncovers herself in order to present herself to the light of day. Signed “Pradier” on the base. Romantic work circa 1850 in perfect condition. No restoration or missing parts. High-quality statuary white marble.
To sculpt this allegory of daylight, the sculptor took as his inspiration his “Etoile du berger” (“Shepherd's Star”) created in 1846, a plaster model of which is kept at the MAH Musée d'art et d'histoire, Ville de Genève. Presented by the Musée des arts décoratifs, 1910.
Bibliography: C. Lapaire, James Pradier (1790-1852) et la sculpture française de la génération romantique, Milan, 2010, p. 358 nos. 292-293 and pp. 440-441, nos. 538-539
