Hello Keith, I’m very glad that you chose Mearto for your online appraisal, Considering the photographs, overall pattern, materials and the decoration, I concluded that this is an Entirely Bronze Casted and Gold Painted "Melodie" Sculpture by Louis Robert Carrier Belleuse. The piece likely dates back to the period between 1900-1913. The piece depicts a woman in armour while playing a medieval mandolin. Mandolin was a commonly used instrument in medieval period. The piece is named as "Melodie" by the sculptor and many copies were made by him. Most of the variations are actually in darker colours with brownish patinas but this piece has a golden colour. The woman's face is made of marble as well as the sculpture's base. White marble was used ffor poth parts. The cast seems accurate and detailed for the period and for the sculptor's authenticated works. The only significant difference is about the signature of the piece. This piece has a signature of the artists at it's side closer to the base. Normally, in most pieces, the artists signed his surnamed with two capital letter "LL" but in this piece we can see that they were made as "ll". Rest is quite similar, this can be a variation in his signature. The piece was attached to the marble base with a early 20th century style metal nut and not a modern Phillips nut, therefore the piece is certainly not a late 20th century copy. The dimesions of the piece is also consistent with other works of the artist. Should be examined for certain authentication. The piece appears to be in good condition without any significant fault. Entirely bronze casted. Dimensions: 13 Inches Hıgh and Weighs 8.5 Pound Condition: The piece appears to be in good condition without any significant fault. Provenance: Purchased from an estate sale, previous owners were art and antique collectors who owned an antique store in San Fransisco. 1000-1200$, authentic price. Please don’t hesitate to reach us again for more online appraisals on your precious items, thank you for choosing Mearto.
