Ancient Kaolin Sculpture by A. Bordeaux, 1800s

We offer for sale a work of rare beauty and historical value: an original preparatory model (sketch), a unique piece handcrafted in France in the second half of the 19th century.

This sculpture is not a simple reproduction, but the "master" model shaped directly by the artist's hands, from which the molds for subsequent (and much more common) bronze castings would later be made. The pure kaolin surface still retains the vibrant "skin" of manual workmanship, with the marks of the sculptor's tools lending the work a freshness and authenticity impossible to find in replicas.

Author and Provenance (Research): The work bears the engraved signature "A. Bordeaux" and the geographical indication "Tours." A. Bordeaux was a refined sculptor of the French academic school, active in the Loire Valley (Tours) at the end of the 19th century. The rarity of his works on the market suggests that his production was reserved for elite private clients or destined for specialized art foundries for the creation of limited-edition bronzes. Owning this sketch means possessing the genesis of the artwork, the artist's first thought captured in the material.

Subject and Style: A female bust of extraordinary elegance, portrayed with the updo typical of fin de siècle fashion. The noble and proud expression, combined with the unfinished, "impressionist" modeling of the base, places the work in the finest French sculptural tradition, evoking the style of the masters who exhibited at the Paris Salons.

Technical Details and Condition:

Type: Original sketch / Preparatory model (Unique Piece).
Author: A. Bordeaux (Signed).
Place of Creation: Tours, France.
Material: Kaolin / White clay paste (a valuable material for detailing).
Period: Late 19th century (ca. 1880-1900).
Dimensions: 18 x 12 x 33.5 cm (h).
Condition: Excellent condition. The patina of time enhances the definition of the modeling.
Collector's Note: This item is intended for collectors of ancient sculpture and connoisseurs. The double signature and the "Tours" localization guarantee its absolute authenticity. A safe investment in quality French antiques.