French school, 18th century

French school, XVIII century
"Allegory".
Patinated bronze; marble pedestal.
Measurements: 18 cm. high (bronze); 24 cm. high (total)

Sculpture in patinated bronze of French invoice of the XVIII century that represents a naked feminine figure, barely covered by a light mantle that conceals with modesty the genital zone. In the composition, of great dynamism, the woman rises on tiptoe on her right foot while the left leg is bent backwards, generating a delicate contrast that accentuates the sensation of instability. The left arm is raised elegantly, while the right arm descends gently to catch the fold of the mantle itself.

A singular element is the blindfold covering her eyes, an iconographic feature that allows us to associate the work with a possible allegory of Justice, traditionally represented blind to symbolize impartiality, although it could also evoke Psyche, a mythological figure linked to human fragility.

The surface of the bronze retains a rich patina that facilitates the dating of the piece and adds depth.

The instability of the whole, supported on a single point, recalls the daring mannerism of the sixteenth century, such as the work of Giambologna and his famous Mercury, where in a fleeting moment the balances of the god are frozen.