Offered here is an important and early Art Nouveau bronze sculpture by Paul Moreau-Vauthier, titled “Singe tenant la traîne de la reine aux seins nus” (translated: Monkey holding the train of the nude-breasted queen), signed and dated 1899.
This sculptural group depicts a female allegorical figure attended by a monkey, a composition rich in Symbolist and Art Nouveau iconography, characteristic of French fin-de-siècle sculpture. The elongated lines, flowing drapery, and expressive modeling place the work firmly within the Art Nouveau movement of the late 19th century.
The sculpture is cast in bronze, with a deep, original patina, and bears the artist’s signature and date directly in the bronze. The underside shows appropriate age, tooling, and wear consistent with an authentic period cast.
Paul Moreau-Vauthier was a highly regarded French sculptor, active at the Exposition Universelle and the Salon des Beaux-Arts, best known for his allegorical and decorative works bridging Academic sculpture and Art Nouveau aesthetics.
Artist: Paul Moreau-Vauthier (1871–1936)
Title: Singe tenant la traîne de la reine aux seins nus
Date: 1899 (signed and dated)
Medium: Bronze
Style: Art Nouveau / Symbolism
Origin: France
Condition: Reinforced base, solid casting, no repairs or breaks; natural patina throughout consistent with age.
Authenticity: Guaranteed original period bronze
Period exhibition references documented (Exposition des Beaux-Arts, circa 1899)
Comparable examples held in European collections and museum references
Professional packing. Fully insured shipping.
International buyers welcome.