Art Nouveau patinated and gilt bronze figure by August Moreau

Art Nouveau patinated and gilt bronze figure of a standing naked female beauty. The figure stands amongst gilt bronze reeds and flowers and is signed A Moreau to the bronze. The figure stands on a shaped rouge marble base. August Moreau was a member of one of the finest and best known family of sculptors of the period. French c 1890. Excellent original condition

History
Auguste Moreau (born 22 February 1834 in Dijon , the death 11 November 1917 in Malesherbes) was a French sculptor. The third son of sculptor and painter Jean Baptiste Moreau and the younger brother of sculptor Hippolyte Moreau and Mathurin Moreau, Auguste came to sculpture along with his older brother Mathurin. His subjects were primarily genre scenes, pastorals, and allegories; his style was realistic and graceful, revealing his relation to the other members of the Moreau dynasty. The similitude of names sometimes provokes confusion in the attribution of certain works signed without first initials.

Auguste Moreau even developed a special style of filigree figures during his further artistic training and development. His works were first exhibited in 1861; and he became well-known very early. In the 19th century the French capitol had several locations of famous and great world`s fairs, at which also artists showed and presented their works. With the help of these exhibitions many of Moreau`s colleagues became famous and it can assumed that he himself knew and associated with them. The first French world`s fair was held in 1855. For the first time there was a stage for the contemporary and modern artistic trends and a special pavilion, the “Palais des Beaux-Arts”, was built for that. Additional world`s fairs took place in 1867, 1878 and 1889. The reason for the fair in 1889 was the famous Eiffel Tower had been built. It still exists and became the international symbol of Paris.

Auguste Moreau had points of contact with the arts décoratifs, but he was more interested in the Art Nouveau. He became an important representative of this artistic trend that is marked by its floral motifs and ornaments, curved lines and the demand to melt life together with art. Auguste Moreau worked in this style, designing filigree sculptures, figures and busts that seem very naturally and detailed. He artist died in 1917.

Date French c 1890

Condition  Excellent original condition.

.Dimensions Approximate height 33cm

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