Ancient religious statue gilt bronze signed Caullet Virgin baroque base

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This antique religious statue depicts a praying Virgin Mary, standing and enveloped in a long, simple cloak. The work is made of gilded bronze, as indicated by the keywords, and bears the signature "Caullet" visible at the base of the statuette. The figure rests on a large decorative plinth with a baroque motif, featuring dynamic, leafy curves reminiscent of 19th or early 20th-century ornamentation. The gilding displays warm, patinated shades, with slight wear visible on some edges, revealing the underlying metal in places.

The Virgin's face is finely sculpted, with simple yet expressive features. Her clasped hands are placed in front of her chest, emphasizing the figure's contemplative attitude. The cloak flows in fluid lines down to the base, following the statuette's verticality. The particularly elaborate plinth adopts a radiating and asymmetrical shape, typical of Baroque and Rococo religious decor, with a sense of movement in the volutes and reliefs.

The surface of the gilded bronze shows an ancient patina, revealing some signs of wear and minor alterations in places, authentic signs of use and age. No added or missing elements are visible on the photographed side. The "Caullet" signature is discreetly engraved at the base, attesting to the author of this devotional piece.

The back and underside of the statue are not visible in the provided photo, so the description focuses exclusively on the exposed side. The ensemble exudes an impression of refinement, characteristic of religious altar objects or private devotion from the late 19th or early 20th century.

Condition

Second-hand item, sold as is. Visible traces of wear on the gilding and slight surface alterations typical of old bronze. No major apparent damage on the visible part.

Did you know? Gilded bronze religious statues experienced a particular boom in France at the end of the 19th century, thanks to workshops specializing in sacred art. Gilding, obtained by applying a thin layer of gold or an alloy to bronze, gives these works a brilliance and durability sought after in devotional objects.

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Keywords: gilded bronze Virgin statue, antique religious statuette, Caullet sculpture, baroque religious object, bronze piety figurine, antique French religious statue, altar gilding, church decoration, signed bronze sculpture, 19th-century cult object, sacred art France, signed bronze statue