Orientalist Bronze Sculpture - Sapphires, Zouave - Military

Elegant bronze depicting a Spahi, late 19th – early 20th century. Height: 26 cm. Signed, but I have been unable to decipher the inscription (base). This very fine antique bronze depicts a North African Spahi, the emblematic cavalryman of the French army's cavalry regiments. The work, dating from the late 19th or very early 20th century, illustrates with finesse and character the bearing of these legendary soldiers. The figure is depicted standing, arms crossed, in a proud and confident pose. He wears the traditional costume: ample sarouel trousers with elegantly crafted pleats, a draped burnous falling naturally over the shoulders, a soft headdress, and a weapon at his side. The sculpture is captivating for the quality of its modeling, the richness of its details, and the beautiful, nuanced patina in deep brown tones with a hint of antique green, which accentuates the forms and lends the piece a strong decorative presence. This bronze, an evocative collector's item of orientalism and French military history, combines elegance, character and historical testimony.