Ancient Santon Provence clay Oréoux floral dress traditional costume

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This antique Provencal santon depicts a woman in traditional costume, typical of Southern folk art. The figurine is made of clay, as indicated by the keywords, and stands upright on a circular base visible at the bottom of the piece. The finely sculpted face reveals expressive features and sculpted hair, styled with a headscarf tied under the chin, topped with a light-patterned coiffe.

The bust is dressed in a long-sleeved green jacket, closed over a light bodice. Around the neck, a white fabric shawl, adorned with lace, is crossed and carefully placed on the shoulders. The full skirt catches the eye with its dense floral pattern, dominated by dark green, yellow, and orange tones, on a salmon pink background decorated with typical Provençal motifs. The skirt is completed by a floral apron in coordinating shades.

In the figurine's left hand, a miniature metal scale is suspended, an emblematic accessory of certain characters in the Provencal tradition, possibly suggesting the representation of a merchant or a figure of local justice. The hands are carefully modeled, true to the tradition of santon makers.

The rounded, matte brown base ensures the figurine's stability. No other accessories or details are visible on the photographed side. The whole is enhanced by a background decor evoking the interior of a Provencal house, but only the santon is concerned by this listing.

The garment displays a beautiful harmony of colors and meticulous textile work, characteristic of regional artisanal santons. No chips, major defects, or pronounced signs of wear are visible on the front part of the figurine, which appears well-preserved for a used item.

Signature and Origin

The figurine is signed Oréoux, a recognized name in the field of Provencal santons. The inscription is not visible on the front, but is mentioned in the keywords.

Condition

Used item, sold as is. Presents a neat visual appearance on the visible part of the photo. Any traces of use or defects not visible on the presented side cannot be guaranteed.

Did you know? Provencal santons, which appeared at the end of the 18th century, are traditionally made of clay and hand-painted. They embody the trades and figures of the Provencal village, and their manufacture follows codes passed down from generation to generation.

AFW Reassurance

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Keywords: Provencal statuette, clay figurine, antique santon, Oréoux, Provence character, female santon, artisanal statuette, old French figurine, traditional costume, vintage Provence decor, Southern craftsmanship, justice scale figurine