French school of the late 19th century.

French school of the late nineteenth century.
"Woman characterized as an ancient goddess", ca.1880.
Sculpture in ivory.
Rare piece of great quality.
With CITES.
Measurements: 32,5 x 10 x 10 cm.

This delicate sculpture in ivory condenses the technical expertise and classicist sensibility that flourished under the imprint of European historicism. It represents a young woman transfigured into a pagan goddess. Her figure, erect in a contrapposto of subtle torsion, distributes her weight with lively naturalness, evoking the cadence of Hellenistic sculpture. The sandaled feet anchor the composition in a timeless elegance. The dress evokes Greco-Roman tunics: finely draped, it clings to the skin, insinuating the sinuous lines of the female silhouette. The hair, gathered in a high bun, reveals meticulous gouge work: wavy locks frame the oval of the face, where the gaze combines restraint and lightness. The half-open lips, from which a row of teeth can be glimpsed, accentuate the animation of the expression. The hands, graceful in their disposition, prolong the harmony of the body and accompany the silent choreography of the piece.