Saint Cecilia - Agathon Léonard - Bas Relief In Gilt Bronze - XIXth Sculpture

Saint Cecilia by Agathon Léonard (1841-1923).
Gilt bronze plaque.

Presented at the Universal Exhibition of 1889, the work is a portrait of Saint Cecilia, the theme of saints being then very fashionable. The bronze bas-relief represents the young woman in half-length profile. His gaze is piously directed towards the sky. A ring encloses her long wavy hair which falls down her back. It refers to the vow of chastity pronounced by the saint. The arrangement of the hairstyle reveals the design of a delicate ear. A halo, a perfect circle, encircles the character's head and recalls his celestial nature. Cécile is dressed in a rich brocade coat held by a buckle. The round collar of his shirt appears under the heavy neckline of the coat. Serenity and piety emerge from this sober and elegant effigy which is reminiscent of the portraits of the Italians of the Quattrocento.

Born in Belgium in 1841, Agathon Léonard studied at the Academic Schools of Lille and then at the National School of Fine Arts in Paris. After settling in the capital where he exhibited at the Salon of 1868, he joined the Society of French Artists and then the National Society of Fine Arts in 1897. Committed to the current of Art Nouveau, he exhibited many pieces, in particular at the Universal Exhibition of 1900. He produced many medallions, statuettes in bronze, porcelain or Sèvres biscuit. He sculpts marble, quartz and ivory. The female figure is one of his favorite subjects. Bas-relief in gilded bronze. Signed "A. Leonard". Circular stamp "Thiebaut Frères Paris - Fumière & Cie Succs".

In a perfect condition.
Size: 37 x 21 cm / 14,5 x 8,3 in