catalog text
EUGÉNE DELAPLANCHE (FRENCH, 1836-91), BRONZE SCULPTURE OF PSYCHE DANCING
Signed in base "Delaplanche" and "F. Barbedienne Fondeur"
Late 19th Century
Item # 1406VRP21A
This is an exceptional casting after the original model by Eugene Delaplanche, executed almost certainly during his lifetime by the Ferdinand Barbedienne Foundry. It is titled in Kjellberg's monumental work "Zéphyr", noted as "Fée Aux Fleurs" (The Flower Fairy) by Berman, the work capturing Psyche as she gracefully spins on a dirt path. The movement of the work is full and vivid, her dress flawlessly bunched and wrinkled as the wind catches the bottom and furls it wildly into the breeze. The model itself is perfectly technical, Delaplanche nearly scientific in his representation of an anatomy in complex motion. The cast of the model is just as nearly perfect, executed by the renowned firm of Barbedienne - this work was executed in several editions, including 40 cm, 61.5 cm, 97 cm and 115 cm. The surface is smooth and of utmost quality, the details carefully filed and chased into clarity, the golden brown patina leaving the surface full of life and variation. Every detail is vivid, from the flowers and leafage grasped in her fingers, to the wrinkles of these fingers, her perfectly detailed face with a sharp little nose, eyes that are full of laughter and joy and a firm jaw. Her garb is nearly sheer, clinging to her form while billowing away naturally, pulling around her lower back to leave the small ovular wings exposed in her shoulder blades. She spins on the ball of her foot, both feet with a soft gracefulness. The naturalistic base is inscribed both "Delaplanche" and "F. Barbedienne Fondeur".
Measurements: 24 3/8" high (61.5 cm); base 6" diameter
Condition Report:
Original patina preserved under wax; some noteworthy patina wear with numerous light surface abrasions throughout the body (raised foot, chest, scratches along upraised arm, light base wear, etc.) - close ups of patina can be viewed in the slideshow. Dust and oxidization in crevices and corners. A positively gorgeous piece.