Paperweight "Marée haute". France, ca. 1900.

Paperweight "Marée haute". France, ca. 1900.
Silver-plated bronze.
Foundry F. Barbedienne, Paris.
Illegible signature, function stamp and numbered on the back.
Measurements: 11 x 15 x 9 cm.

Sculptural paperweight in silver plated bronze titled "Marée haute", issued by the prestigious foundry F. Barbedienne of Paris. The piece represents the bust of a swimmer emerging from the waves, with her face turned and her hair tied back, in a composition of great delicacy and marked decorative character.

The modeling stands out for the sensitivity with which the figure is integrated into the movement of the water. The undulations of the waves envelop the body and create a vibrant surface, reinforced by the silver finish, which accentuates the reflections and the liquid effect of the work.

The piece is part of the fin de siècle taste for small cabinet bronzes, refined objects intended for elegant interiors and private collections.