Description:

Presented is a wonderful statue depicting a beautiful young woman smiling, wearing a bonnet or a scarf wrapped arounf her head. This statue was designed by Georges van der Straeten (1857 - 1928) - a Belgium born sculptor who lived in Paris  in the late 1800’s - early 1900s. He was probably one of the most famous sculptor of Art Nouveau style.

The statue is called "Les Cerices" - "The Cherries" and present an image of a youg lady in a bicron hat lughing while holding two cherries in her mouth. The concept of the statue is "joie de vivre" or enjoyment of life in French. The ladies bust sculptures were a huge part of Art Nouveau movement. Such artists as Van der Straeten, Emmanuele Villanis, Alphons Nelson, Alfred Foretay, Victor Seifert and many others were creating this very popular (and commercially successful) sculptures in bronze and less expensive bronzed metal.

The statue is made of patinated bronzed metal  - very nicely cast with wonderful appearance. No damage or repairs to the metal. Some age-related patination wear. Nice pedestal made of alebaster or white onyx in good condition with some minimal chipping. There is no signature but the statue is known creation of Van der Straeten. It shows incised statue title "Les Cerices" and a foundry stamp.

The statue stands 8.5" tall.

Please note - this is the real statue from the Art Nouveau period - not a modern reproduction.