Patinated bronze and parcel-gilt classical sculpture by Levêque

Patinated bronze and parcel-gilt classical sculpture by Levêque
French, Late 19th Century
Height 60cm, width 24cm, depth 24cm
 
This elegant neoclassical bronze sculpture is by the French artist Edmond Levêque (1814-1875). The bronze is signed to the base ‘E. Levêque’.
 
The sculpture depicts a pair of intertwined maenads (Bacchic revellers), beginning to enter a divine frenzy. The righthand woman plays the cymbals in the air, with her head thrown back in ecstasy. Her companion instead looks downward, where a small putto is clutching at her dress. The figures are dressed in a typical classical fashion, with their flowing garments gilded to emphasise the impressive drapery. The contrast between the bright gilded bronze and deeper patination is particularly pleasing.
 
Levêque includes several references to the Roman god: the laurel crowns, pan flute and grapes beneath their feet, and lionskin all connote the god of music, wine, and dance.
 
The figures are perched upon a tree stump, which flares into a rocky base. The composition sits atop a stepped circular plinth.
 
With its timeless classical subject, this elegant sculpture is highly collectable.
 
Artist/Maker: Edmond Levêque