Mythological French bronze sculpture “Ondine” signed Mathurin Moreau

A stunning antique French bronze sculpture, “Ondine” by Mathurin Moreau (1822–1912), depicting the water nymph in serene reflection. This 19th-century bronze, also known as “Libellule”, showcases Moreau’s skill in capturing feminine grace and naturalistic detail. Its warm, rich patina in excellent condition enhances the figure’s timeless beauty, making it a superb example of French Romantic sculpture.


Seated upon a rock surrounded by reeds, Ondine gazes downward in gentle contemplation, her expression serene and dreamlike. A fine, flowing veil falls lightly across her body, revealing her elegant form while suggesting a sense of ethereal modesty. Small decorative wings adorn her back, and her finely modelled face, framed by soft curls gathered high upon her head, captures both innocence and sensual beauty. At her side, a jug pours an endless stream of water, symbolising her eternal connection to the element she governs.


Executed with great finesse, this bronze exemplifies Moreau’s renowned mastery of movement, detail and feminine grace. The natural flow of the drapery and the delicacy of the features are modelled with exquisite precision. The sculpture retains its rich brown patina, beautifully preserved and lending the surface a warm, luminous depth. Signed “Math. Moreau” on the terrace, it stands on a rotating base with a front plaque inscribed: “Ondine / Par Math. MOREAU / Médaille d’Honneur.”


Mathurin Moreau was one of the foremost French sculptors of the 19th century, highly regarded for his allegorical and decorative works. A regular exhibitor at the Paris Salon, he received numerous distinctions and medals for his refined and poetic representations of the female form.


Origin: France, second half of the 19th century.

Dimensions: Height 53 cm (20.9?), Width 21 cm (8.3?), Depth 27 cm (10.6?).
Diameter of turning base: 21 cm (8.3?).


Mythology of Ondine
The legend of Ondine (or Undine) originates in the writings of Paracelsus, who described her as a water elemental, an immortal spirit of the element of water. In later Romantic literature she evolved into a water nymph, a symbol of beauty, mystery and unattainable love. The myth inspired many later interpretations, including Friedrich de la Motte Fouqué’s “Undine” (1811) and Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Little Mermaid.” In certain Northern traditions, Ondine also appears as a goddess of the waters, eternally bound to the rhythm and flow of the sea.


Literature
- Pierre Kjellberg ,“Bronzes of the 19th century”, p. 511-518.