A plaster personification of the French city of Saint-Étienne, this plaster sculpture dates to the era of Beaux-Arts style, which was prevalent in France from the mid-1800s to the end of the century. The allegorical representation is similar to that of art from ancient Greece, which often depicted Athena as the guardian of Athens.

Saint-Étienne is represented as a strong, dignified woman guarding her heritage (the shield) and her industry (the scroll/helmet). Above her head is a mural crown parapet that is fronted by the coat of arms of the city. A pair of palm fronds can be seen in a saltire X-shape beneath a closed royal crown, with three croisettes placed around the leaves. The woman is clad in a winged helmet, indicative of Saint-Étienne being known as the city of “weapon, cycle, and ribbon”. It is possible that the plaster once graced the entrance of a public building within Saint-Étienne, although it could have been a maquette for a larger stone or metal sculpture. The plaster is affixed to a wooden frame with small feet, allowing our sculpture to be mounted on an edifice or placed on a pedestal or table.

CONDITION: Good antique condition with commensurate buildup. Minor nicks and rubs. Light age separations. Wooden framework on verso has become detached in one corner, but the plaster is intact with acceptable losses. Please see photos.