J. Guillot (1865–1911) Young Arab Girl With A Jug, Circa 1887 Spelter With Polychrome Patina

J. Guillot (1865–1911)  Arab Girl with Water Jug, circa 1887 Painted spelter (régule), cold-painted polychrome patina, signed on base

A tender evocation of 19th-century Orientalist charm, this captivating sculpture by French artist J. Guillot depicts a barefoot young Arab girl leaning gracefully against a textured wall, gently cradling a water jug. Her flowing robe, delicately rendered and enhanced with cold-painted polychrome accents, conveys both modesty and quiet elegance. The composition invites contemplation, capturing a moment of serene intimacy with poetic restraint.

Signed J. Guillot, a sculptor active in the latter half of the 19th century and an exhibitor at the Salon des artistes français in 1887, this piece is executed in régule—a painted spelter alloy widely used at the time to make fine art more accessible to a broader audience. While bronze remained the medium of prestige, régule allowed artists like Guillot to democratize beauty without compromising on detail or artistic integrity.

A lyrical embodiment of Orientalist reverie, where sculptural finesse meets the spirit of inclusivity—offering collectors a glimpse into the romantic imagination of the Belle Époque.

The sculpture is in overall good condition. However, please note a loss of polychrome finish, clearly visible in the photographs, as well as the absence of two palm fronds on the right side of the composition.

Dimensions : Height 40 cm,  large 18 cm, depth 14.5 cm. The sculpture weighs 6.4 kg.