catalog text
ETIENNE-HENRI DUMAIGE
French, 1830-1888
Classical Seated Woman with Treasure Spilling at Her Feet
Burnished and patinated bronze over original polished black marble base | signed in cast "H. Dumaige Sculpt" and cold-stamped 3750 | circa 1875
Item # 309OXB09P
This exquisite cast depicts a full-length seated female modeled with echoes of classical antiquity. Dumaige seeks to depict the young woman as a noble likely of the Roman Empire, her wealth an obscene display with pearls falling from her fingers almost as an afterthought over a chest of jewels with treasure spilling from the lid before her overstuffed throne with a richly decorated pillow. Her intricately draped clothing is admirably rendered with exquisite realism in the twists and folds of the fabric; the modeling showcases such a light touch to the textiles.
The young woman is relaxed and jovial, contemplating something that has captured her attention in the distance and has allowed her to temporarily forget the wealth in hand. She is raised on a polished bronze base over a conforming original black marble plinth. Note the very fine development of details throughout the figure with exceedingly good finishing work by the ciseleur with extensive texturing, hammering and cross-hatching to create an endlessly complex surface.
Measurements: 13 3/4" H [including base]; 12 3/4" H x 4 5/8" D x 6 1/4" W [bronze only]
Condition Report:
A fine presentation throughout, carefully cleaned and sealed in conservator's grade wax; light wear to the patina including gentle relieving of raised elements from handling over time; bronze base has been repolished to a brilliant golden luster and sealed in wax; marble stone has been polished and sealed; some chipping and wear to the black marble, including some breakout at the back right corner where a tiny rod indexes the stone beneath the base.