BISCUIT BUST, "ALLEGORY OF SPRING", BY CHARLES-AUGUSTE ARNAUD AND HENRI ARDANT

A biscuit porcelain bust on a pedestal depicting the Allegory of Spring, a young woman dressed in an antique-style tunic that reveals one breast upon which rests a butterfly and a few flowers. Her loose, wavy hair is adorned with a floral crown. The pedestal is engraved with leaf and flower motifs. The blue biscuit porcelain factory mark is on the reverse. The bust rests on a white and blue porcelain base embellished with gold-painted motifs, bearing the Sèvres mark and the inscription "Model and decoration exclusive to the hand." This work was created by Henri Ardant and Charles Auguste Arnaud (1825-1883), a French sculptor and student of the École des Beaux-Arts in Angers, who exhibited regularly at the Salon from 1846 to 1864. 19th century, circa 1860. Dimensions: W: 25cm, D: 15cm, H: 34cm. In good overall condition. Two tiny cracks have been restored at the level of the footplate.