Odalisque - After James Pradier - Stearinated Plaster

This sculpture represents a young nude woman, seated on the ground, symbolizing an odalisque of the Ottoman harem, a motif evocative of sensuality and pleasures in the Western imagination. Although this theme is commonly illustrated in painting and literature in the 19th century, it is rarely treated in sculpture, which makes James Pradier's work a unique example. The sculptor mixes classical tradition, with a female nude inspired by ancient Venuses, with an innovative approach by breaking classical conventions. The odalisque, seated directly on the ground in a lascivious pose, combines idealization and realism, while allowing the artist to explore feminine power and sensuality.

The original model of this sculpture, made in 1841 by the Swiss sculptor James Pradier, is currently kept at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Lyon. François Carli, a French sculptor born in Marseille in 1872, reproduced this work at the beginning of the 20th century. Carli, Auguste Carli's younger brother, took over the family casting workshop where he created copies of ancient and Egyptian sculptures. His talent was recognized, and he was sent to Genoa in 1906 to make casts of works by Pierre Puget for the Musée des beaux-arts in Marseille. He also pursued a career as a sculptor, creating monuments and statues for churches. Between 1902 and 1914, he exhibited the works of his brother, his friend Paul Gonzalès and his own in his studio. In 1920, he was awarded a bronze medal at the Salon des artistes français, where he had been exhibiting since 1905. He was made a knight of the Legion of Honor in 1933 and died in 1957.

Proof in stearin plaster.
Bears an iron stamp "F. Carli - Sculptor - Marseille"
Good general condition.