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PAIR OF FRENCH ANTIQUE GILT & PATINATED BRONZE ORIENTALIST BUSTS, 19TH CENTURY

Offered by: Arté Gallery

Description
A remarkable pair of 19th-century gilt and patinated bronze Orientalist busts exemplifies superb craftsmanship and exquisite detail. Each bust portrays a young lady adorned in traditional Middle Eastern attire, exuding cultural richness and sophistication. Their attire is complemented by beaded necklaces and earrings, adding a touch of elegance and authenticity to the representation. The combination of gilt and patinated bronze emphasizes the fine artistry and attention to detail in capturing the essence of these culturally inspired busts, reflecting the fascination with Orientalism prevalent in the 19th century.

Circa 1860

Dimensions

Height: 14" (35 cm)
Width: 7" (18 cm)
Depth: 5" (12 cm)

The Orientalist style of art and design originated in the 19th Century, and refers to the European portrayal of Eastern cultures and traditions through visual, literary and other artistic mediums. In particular, the Orientalist movement found popularity among French painters, many of whom had travelled to the exotic lands of the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia and become entranced by the peoples and traditions encountered there. While true that much 19th Century Orientalist artwork presents a stereotyped and artificial portrait of Eastern culture, this was not necessarily the aim of those European artists responsible for such works. Instead, painters, writers and thinkers wished to capture the colourful and sensual beauty of these lands, which their creations brilliantly do. Sculptures similar to the present were designed by Cordier, Ple, Guillemin and other European artists.