A FRENCH PATINATED BRONZE BUST OF LOUISE LABE

Although Carriès' biographer, Arsène Alexandre, only noted one bronze cast recorded of Louise Labe, a cast from the property of Dr. Heuser and Co. featured in the 'Notable Works of Art Now on the Market' section of the Burlington Magazine (December, 1974, Vol. 116, Plate XXXVIII). This was described as being 'signed and inscribed 'Loise L'Abbé' and 'Fondue par Bingen' and thus differs from the present lot. Only casting two variants of the same model, although not atypical for Carriès, this was a minuscule production in nineteenth century terms.
The subject, Louise L'Abbe, was a Lyonnaise poet. Carriès' emphasis of the forms of her costume and headdress and his undulating treatment of the base created an extravagant symbolism of which he was an acknowledged master.