She appears to be emerging from a mist, the drapery of her robes clinging to her—almost holding her back. This cast spelter bas relief Art Nouveau plaque represents its time period well. Borrowing heavily from the Rococo, with its arced edges and volutes, the plaque depicts a favorite subject of the Art Nouveau—the female form in its most voluptuous. This style defined itself by reimagining the female body in a series of curves and tendrils, playing with tension and weight to depict the body as a fluid, natural entity. The figure appears to be alive, gently writhing to escape the background. I suspect that this plaque was initially part of a larger piece or grouping of similar objects. However, she is the only one that remains. Mysterious and energetic, this sculpture seems to have a life of its own.
2 comments:
Art Nouveau really was the peak of the Belle Epoch and the doorway to Modern. This little piece surely shows that.
It really was, Dashwood, you could see the structure of art start to become looser as it transitioned to the Modern.
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