Alfred Jean Foretay Art Nouveau “fraises Au Champagne” Bust, Circa 1900

An elegant Art Nouveau polychrome cast aluminium bust entitled “Fraises au Champagne”, by Swiss sculptor Alfred Jean Foretay (1861–1944), dating to circa 1900. The composition depicts a graceful young woman with her head gently inclined and her eyes lowered, her softly modelled features framed by an elaborate upswept hairstyle and ribbons. Her décolleté is surrounded by exuberant folds, flowers and foliage that merge organically into the sculptural base, creating the flowing, naturalistic silhouette so characteristic of the Art Nouveau period.

The contrasting surface treatment is particularly attractive, with the face, neck and shoulders retaining a darker green-bronze patination while the hair, costume and surrounding ornament display warmer gilt, copper and softly aged tones. The resulting polychromy gives the sculpture considerable depth and decorative presence.

Alfred Jean Foretay was born in Morges, Switzerland, in 1861 and trained in Paris under the celebrated sculptor Alexandre Falguière. He exhibited at the Salon and became particularly associated with decorative sculpture and idealized female figures during the Art Nouveau period. The Musée d’Orsay records Foretay as a sculptor, painter and decorator.  The present model is documented under the title “Fraises au Champagne” and other examples are likewise recorded in polychrome cast aluminium.

The sculpture retains an appealing aged surface with wear and variations to the original polychrome finish consistent with its age. A small opening to the reverse of the coiffure and a fine age-related fissure to the rear of the lower sculptural base are present and have been taken into account in the condition; neither detracts from the strong frontal presentation of the piece.

Dimensions:
Height: 34 cm / 13.39 in
Diameter: 24 cm / 9.45 in