BRONZE SCULPTURE, "MUSE DES BOIS", AFTER HENRI-LOUIS LEVASSEUR

A bronze sculpture with a medallic patina called"Muse des bois" after a model by Henri-Louis Levasseur. It depicts a young woman dressed in a tight drape revealing her curves. Her hair is knotted behind her back, and she wears a crown of oak leaves. In her left hand, she holds an antique lyre made from tortoise shell and goat horns. Her right arm, extended in the air, indicates that she is singing. The work is signed "A. Levasseur" on the Terrace and a cartouche overhanging the foot titles "Muse des bois par LEVASSEUR Hors concours". The Muses are the nine daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne. They preside over the liberal arts. Since Antiquity, they have inspired artists as mediators between gods and creators. The muse featured here is probably Erato, goddess of lyrical poetry, who can be recognized by her lyre. The lyre is also an instrument associated with the god Apollo, often accompanied by the muses.

Henri Louis Levasseur (1853-1934) was a French sculptor and pupil of Augustin-Alexandre Dumont, Jules Thomas and Eugène Delaplanche. Many of his works won awards at the Salon des Artistes Français and the Universal Exhibitions of 1889 and 1900.

Late 19th century

Circa: 1890

Condition report: In good condition. light wear.

Base dimensions: W: 26 cm; D: 26 cm