"Silver Bronze Sculpture, The Chilly One, I Sang Signed Alexandre Etienne Stella 19th Century Woman"
Antique silver-plated bronze sculpture dating from the second half of the 19th century. A young, naked, shivering woman carries a mandolin on her back. Allegory of Winter, titled I sing. Signed by the French artist Alexandre Etienne Stella. 26cm high. Very good condition. Alexandre Étienne Stella, also known as Étienne Alexandre Stella, was a French sculptor active in the late 19th century who died in 1892. Stella is best known for his bronze sculptures of allegorical figures, notably the seasons—Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter. These works, often large (approximately 94 cm high), are characterized by a dark brown patina and meticulous attention to detail. They are frequently signed “Stella” at the base. Notable creations include pairs of allegorical figures representing the seasons, such as Summer and Winter, or Spring and Summer. In addition to allegorical figures, Stella also created electrotyped bronze bas-reliefs depicting dramatic scenes in a 17th-century style. These works, such as those depicting a secret romantic encounter followed by a duel, demonstrate his ability to capture complex narratives with great expressiveness.