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Paul-François Berthoud "Chrysalide" Bronze Planter
$22,500
This French Art Nouveau patinated bronze planter, "Chrysalide" (Chrisalis), by Paul-François Berthoud, features the head of a woman emerging from foliage. Cast in deep releif, the female form, who emerges forcefully from the two sweeps of foliage that crown her, has a countenance of blissful nonchalance, her peaceful expression, eyes closed in repose, counters the extremity of the swirling and agitated movement of her hair. The apex of her crown is a folded over bloom, which meets her forehead so gently she seems unaware of its presence.
- Product Details
- Curator's Notes
Item#: S-19716
Artist: Paul-François Berthoud
Circa: 1902
Dimensions: 17.5" height, 20.5" width, 4" depth
Materials: Bronze
Signed: “Berthoud”
Literature: Bronze planter pictured in The Paris Salons 1895-1914, Volume V: Objets D' Art & Metalware, by Alistair Duncan, p. 86, The Antique Collectors' Club, 1999; Bronze planter also pictured in Dynamic Beauty: Sculpture of Art Nouveau Paris, by Macklowe Gallery, The Studley Press, 2011, p. 55
Paul-François Berthoud was a legendary sculptor of portrait busts, depicting some of the leading ladies of the day, including the famed American actress Sarah Bernhardt. This lovely item is a rare and exciting example of the artist applying his extraordinary skill set for the purpose of creating a fuller composition.