Showrooms

Emile Guillemin Bronze Sculpture Torchiere Lamp "Femme Indienne" Barbedienne

Creator: Ferdinand Barbedienne
Offered by: Solomon Treasure

Description
Emile Coriolan Hippolyte Guillemin (French, 1841-1907) bronze torchiere “femme indienne.” Cast by F. Barbedienne Fondeur, signed “Ele. Guillemin, 1872” w/ A. Collas reduction seal. An incredibly powerful figure of magnificent proportions, this very fine sculpture was originally offered by Barbedienne as a pair, noted in their 1886 catalogue as “Deux Femmes, Indienne et Persane” and offered in 200 cm, 120 cm, 95 cm and 78 cm. This example is the 120 cm work, the height being measured from the base of the bronze to the seam of the torchiere, as the style of candelabra or torchiere chosen was optional based on the client during the period - as such, you will find a host of various lighting catalogued with this work, from expansive candelabra to blown glass shaded lamps. Most sculptures of this subject are offered in a gilt highlighted medium brown patina; the present example retains a very early and quite Fine verdigris patina with gilt highlights, the whole appearing to be original or at least incredibly early to the cast. It is not a natural weathered verdigris, but rather a high burnish and glowing applied verdigris with preserved gilding. The effect is quite striking, the sense of the antique conveyed while remaining a crisp and most Fine representation. The base is signed “F. Barbedienne Fondeur” in their typical lettering, the back edge retaining the A. Collas reduction seal and the base signed by her footing “Ele. Guillemin 1897”. For collectors of the finest and most powerful of Romantic period sculpture, it is difficult to find more interesting subjects than Guillemin’s orientalism, this example being not only incredibly Fine in casting and finishing but also monumental in size. Literature: Bronzes d’Art F. Barbedienne, 1886, p. 63 (Grandeur no. 2, 120cm 3,000 franc per “idem”). E. Benezit Dictionary of Artists, Gründ, 2006, vol. VI, p. 877. Bronzes of the Nineteenth Century: Dictionary of Sculptors, Pierre Kjellberg, 1994, p. 369-70. Art Bronzes, Michael Forrest, 1988, p. 476. Measurements: 50 1/2” H (to top edge of torchiere).

More Information

Documentation:	Signed
Origin:	France
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Bronze
Condition:	Excellent.
Creation Date:	1872
Styles / Movements:	Traditional, Other
Dealer Reference #:	f179821610315836493fs
Incollect Reference #:	242193