Painted polychrome papier-mâché marotte with applied printed paper, depicting a female figure with black hair and a scalloped bodice.
Marked on the base: PAINDEBLED, as well as “Cork padding, patented SCDG”, Paris.
Marottes appeared in the second half of the 18th century and were used as supports for headpieces when they were not being worn. As the marotte was shaped like a real head, it helped keep the headdress properly pressed and in shape; milliners and bonnet ironers therefore frequently used marottes in their work.
The work is distinguished by its craftsmanship, notably the use of Panneggio Bagnato, or “wet draping.” This technique, attributed to the great Phidias, consists of sculpting the garment as if it had been soaked in water. Venus’s delicate tunic then becomes a second skin: it flows over the body, embracing every curve and revealing its anatomical form with a sensuality of rare elegance. The garment no longer conceals, but magnifies, creating a play of light and shadow between the prominent folds and the softness of the suggested flesh.
Founded in 1894 by John Hubley, the company became famous for its exceptionally high-quality cast iron toys and household items.
Circa 1910
Founded in 1894 by John Hubley, the company became famous for its exceptionally high-quality cast iron toys and household items.
This Satsuma faience bowl, originating from the island of Kyushu in Japan, is distinguished by its ivory glaze and its exquisitely detailed iconography. The polychrome decoration, richly enhanced with gold, depicts birds among flowers.
A similar piece is featured as a major reference in Marshall P. Katz’s book, “Portuguese Palissy Ware: A Survey of Ceramics from Caldas da Rainha 1853-1920,” on pages 44 and 57.
Portugal
Circa 1880
Set of four elegant Medici vases
19th century
This large, fully sculpted earthenware fish tureen is a remarkable collector’s item produced by the Antonibon factory in Nove, Italy, between 1722 and 1825. The piece features a realistically sculpted body, with a lid adorned with a delicate handle in the shape of a lemon and its foliage. The ensemble rests on an oval dish with a scalloped, gilded rim featuring a naturalistic decoration of bouquets of wild flowers.
A model identical to this piece is listed in the collections of the Ariana Museum in Geneva under inventory number AR 02940
Italy, XIX century
This piece illustrates the virtuosity of the masters of the Genoese school of the Seicento (17th century) through a representation of the Pietà of rare dramatic intensity.
Genoese School, 17th Century