Bronze Sculpture Titled "nymph" Or "allegory Of Nature," Signed By Henri Désiré Gauquié (1858–1927)

Bronze sculpture with a brown patina depicting a reclining female figure draped in leaves, likely a nymph or an allegory of nature. Red marble pedestal. In good overall condition, with a few chips on the base.
More photos on request.

Date: late 19th century

Dimensions: H 17 x W 20 x D 13 cm

Henri Désiré Gauquié (1858–1927)

French sculptor trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris in the studios of Alexandre Falguière and Jules Cavelier, Henri Désiré Gauquié established himself in the late 19th century as one of the leading figures in the revival of French academic sculpture. Awarded the First Grand Prix de Rome in 1884, he resided at the Villa Medici, where he drew inspiration from ancient art and the Italian Renaissance.

His work is distinguished by the elegance of its modeling, anatomical precision, and a constant quest for balance between realism and the classical ideal. He created public monuments, religious sculptures, and numerous editioned bronzes depicting allegorical, mythological, or female figures, which were highly prized by collectors of the Belle Époque.

Today, Gauquié’s works are sought after for the quality of their execution, their refinement, and their perfect illustration of the excellence of late 19th-century French sculpture.