Antique religious statue gilded bronze signed Caullet Virgin Baroque base

AFW - Antique France Worldwide

Description

This antique religious statue depicts a praying Virgin, standing and enveloped in a long, flowing mantle. The work is made of gilt bronze, as indicated by the keywords, and bears the signature "Caullet" visible at the base of the statuette. The figure stands 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, occasionally revealing the underlying metal.

The Virgin's face is finely sculpted, with sober yet expressive features. Her clasped hands are placed in front of her chest, accentuating the figure's contemplative posture. The mantle flows in fluid lines down to the plinth, hugging the statuette's verticality. The plinth, particularly elaborate, adopts a radiant and asymmetrical form, typical of Baroque and Rococo religious decorations, with a sense of movement in the volutes and reliefs.

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

The reverse and underside of the statue are not visible in the provided photo, so the description focuses exclusively on the exposed side. The ensemble exudes a sense of refinement, characteristic of religious altar objects or private devotional items 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 antique bronze. No major apparent damage on the visible part.

Did you know? Gilt 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: Virgin statue gilt bronze, 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