Very Pretty Alabaster Sculpture Representing A Young Woman Dressed In Lace, Art Nouveau

The alabaster sculpture featured in the images appears to be a representative work of the 19th century, a period marked by a return to finesse and delicacy in the decorative arts. This piece is a bust of a young woman, a figure often featured in interior sculpture of this period, where feminine elegance and sartorial sophistication were favored themes.

Alabaster, a material prized for its translucent white color and soft-to-the-touch appearance, is used masterfully here to highlight the subtle details of the work. The slightly glossy texture of the stone allows light to delicately reflect off the surface, adding an almost ethereal aspect to the representation. The minute details of the sculpture, such as the wavy hair, the delicate face, and the draping of the garment, are a testament to the artist's technical mastery. This type of material was often chosen for small and medium-sized works because of its ability to capture details precisely, while providing a certain visual softness.

The young woman’s face is sculpted with great subtlety. Her features are imbued with serenity, evoking an expression of calm and contemplation. The half-closed eyes and the slight smile accentuate this impression of tranquility. The hair, meanwhile, is abundant and wavy, framing the face with detailed curls that reinforce the refined and neat appearance of the figure. The hair is sculpted with such precision that it seems almost light, floating, defying the rigid nature of the alabaster stone.

One of the most striking elements of this sculpture is undoubtedly the lace hat worn by the young woman. The sculptor has succeeded in creating the illusion of delicate lace through complex openwork patterns, which faithfully reproduce the lightness of this textile. This precision work highlights the artist’s talent for transforming a solid and heavy material into a representation so fine that it appears fragile. The perforations in the stone, imitating lace patterns, also play an important aesthetic role, as they allow light to pass through certain parts of the sculpture, adding plays of light and shadow to the whole.

The garment worn by the young woman, also decorated with lace, is treated with remarkable attention to detail. The folds and embroidery are carefully sculpted, giving the illusion of a soft and flowing fabric. The superposition of the ruffles and details of the garment highlights the sculptor's skill in representing different textures in a single work. This type of representation of 19th-century women's fashion, with its rich details and emphasis on lace, was highly prized, as it symbolized the sophistication and good taste of the bourgeois society of the time.

The sculpture rests on a beige marble base, a wise choice that contrasts slightly with the whiter color of the alabaster, while harmonizing the natural tones of the stone. The base not only supports the work, but also adds a touch of solidity and gravity to the whole. With a total height of 37 cm, the sculpture is of a medium size, ideal for display in a living room, on a mantelpiece or in a display case. Its size, although modest, allows it to capture attention without dominating the space.

This work embodies the elegance of the 19th century, a time when decorative art was strongly influenced by romantic themes and ideals of feminine beauty. It is a beautiful illustration of the talent of the sculptors of this period, capable of rendering feminine delicacy and grace through a material as rigid as alabaster. The combination of the precision of the details, the softness of the facial features and the illusion of lace make this sculpture a refined collector's piece, emblematic of the style and taste of its time.

In conclusion, this alabaster sculpture is a remarkable testimony to 19th century decorative art, where feminine beauty, fashion and technical virtuosity come together to create a timeless work, full of delicacy and finesse.

This sculpture is available for sale in my shop at 57 rue Victor Hugo, 76000 Rouen

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