Pair Of Gilt Bronze Sculptures "allegory Of Spring" Signed Moreau 19th Century

Superb Pair of Sculptures/Statuettes depicting the "Allegory of Spring" in the Antique Style. Made of chased and gilded bronze, on onyx bases, after Auguste Moreau (1834-1917), Napoleon III period, 19th century. This remarkable pair of bronze statuettes illustrates the Allegory of Spring. They are made "after" Auguste Moreau, one of the most illustrious dynasties of 19th-century French sculptors. These are "contrasting bronzes," meaning a pair with complementary but not identical subjects, offering a dynamic visual balance. • The first sculpture represents the goddess Hamadryad, draped in the antique style, sheltering a cherub wearing a floral and vine crown. • The second sculpture depicts the goddess Flora, also draped, delicately offering a butterfly to the young Zephyr. Composition and Materials: Bronze and Onyx. Each figure rests on an elegant, molded, square gilt-bronze base bearing the signature "Moreau." This base is itself raised by an onyx stone plinth, which terminates in four refined gilt-bronze feet, combining stylized claw and acanthus leaf motifs on each side. Quality of Execution: The quality of the Parisian casting is exceptional. The bronzes are thick, rich in detail, and demonstrate great technical mastery, particularly evident in the fine chasing and the fluid treatment of the drapery. The whole piece displays superb execution, with harmonious proportions and a highly accomplished aesthetic balance. Very Fine Antique Mounting: The original mercury gilding is remarkably well preserved, offering a subtle interplay between matte and glossy tones that accentuates the volumes. Dimensions: • Total Height: 36 cm • Base: 17 cm x 17 cm • Maximum Width (Figure): 13 cm Provenance: Private Collection. Condition Report: Superb overall original condition. The gilding is particularly well preserved. Note: • Minute signs of wear and age, normal for the period. • A few minor chips on the corners of the onyx. • An old, discreet repair on the back of the corner of one of the onyx bases. Weight: 7-8 kg per piece. Bibliography: The Moreau Family, a Dynasty of Sculptors. The Moreau family was a dynasty of sculptors active in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Originally from Dijon, Burgundy, they settled in Paris. The family included several sculptors, notably Jean-Baptiste-Louis-Joseph Moreau, known as Moreau père, a sculptor in Dijon, primarily known for his work on the Mourners on the tombs of the Dukes of Burgundy. His three sons, Mathurin Moreau, Hippolyte François Moreau, and Auguste Moreau, sculpted numerous allegorical and elegant genre scenes. Auguste Moreau, born in 1834, was a renowned sculptor who primarily worked in bronze. His subjects included mythological figures, allegories, and genre scenes. Auguste Moreau's son, Louis Auguste Moreau, was also a sculptor and created sculptures in the Art Nouveau style. The Moreau family's sculptures, crafted from diverse materials such as bronze, marble, bisque, and spelter, were widely distributed and sold to the bourgeoisie. Worldwide shipping, secure packaging, tracking number.