Francia öntöde.

Guardian of Two Lilies

The bronze sculpture on a green marble base, approximately 67.5 cm high and 37 cm wide, depicts a full-figure female figure. The composition spreads out in a V-shape: the model steps slightly forward, extending her two arms to the sides, holding two long, plant-like stems, at the ends of which cup-shaped forms reminiscent of tulip or calla lilies are formed, hinting at a candelabrum-like function. Between the two arms, a fan-like, textured drapery stretches, evoking organic leaf-veining carvings. The body-hugging, strapless dress has acquired a dark, almost black patina; the skin surfaces have warm, brownish tones, while the plant parts bear a greenish patina. Instead of brushwork, a cast surface treatment is perceptible: fine patterns on the waves of hair, smoothed, idealized features on the face. The interplay of light and shadow is pronounced on the volumes of the dress and the folds of the drapery. Iconographically, it is an allegorical nymph/Flora type, decorative bronze candelabrum. Style direction: late Art Nouveau and early Art Deco transition, likely from the 1905–1930s.

Key Details:

• Two, flower cup-shaped arm endings (candelabrum character)

• V-shaped, leaf-draped background

• Smooth, body-hugging, strapless dress

• Green marble round base

• Combination of warm brown, dark, and greenish patinas

Author Labels

According to the attribution: "French foundry." This refers to unidentified French decorative bronze workshop(s) where such allegorical female figures were produced in series based on catalog models in the form of candelabra, lamps, and decorative sculptures from the turn of the century to the 1930s.

• Raoul Larche (active: 1890–1912) – organic, lamp-functioning female figures; emphasis on dynamics and drapery.

• Affortunato Gory (c. 1895–1925) – elegant female figures with drapery, Art Nouveau–Art Deco transition.

• Demetre Chiparus (c. 1914–1940) – slender, idealized female figures; decorative objects on marble bases.

• Pierre Le Faguays (c. 1918–1939) – slender, dynamic female figures, often with green patina.

• Claire-Jeanne-Roberte Colinet (c. 1910–1937) – scarf-wearing dancers, delicate facial modeling.

• Hippolyte Moreau (c. 1860–1910) – allegorical female figures with floral motifs.

• Auguste Moreau (c. 1860–1910) – lyrical nymphs, garden decoration and parlor bronzes.

• Siot-Decauville/Susse Frères (foundries) – similar models in catalog editions.