36. Decorative marble plate, illustrating an allegory with putti, signed Hélène Bertaux (alias Madame Léon Bertaux), circa 1895

This finely carved oval marble plaque, signed "Mme Léon Bertaux" at the bottom right, symbolizes the elegant allegorical style embraced by women sculptors working in the academic tradition of 19th century France. Executed in bas-relief with exceptional finesse, the composition features three putti - cherubic young figures - surrounded by a garland of flowers and ribbons forming a lyrical ensemble uniting classic form with symbolic content. Mrs Léon Bertaux, born Marie-Louise Bertaux, was among the first women of her time to gain recognition in the French art world, especially in sculpture, a field mostly dominated by men. Her signature here is significant: it reflects not only authorship but also a subtle assertion of professional identity at a time when female artists often remained anonymous or signed under a husband's or man's pseudonym. Bertaux was also associated with the Union des Femmes Peintres et Sculpteurs and exhibited at the Paris Salon, where her works often attracted praise for their refinement and grace.

Dimensions

custom 66 x 52 cm

Description

marble; gilded wood, signed bottom right "Mme Leon Bertaux"

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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