This is a piece of 19th-century history: an antique spelter figurine depicting the famous ancient Greek lyric poet, Sappho. This design is a beautifully scaled-down ( 7.25 wide x 6.75” tall) foundry replica modeled after the famous 1852 marble masterpiece by French sculptor James Pradier, which resides in the Louvre Museum in Paris.
Historical Context: This statue was originally cast as a grand figural clock topper intended to sit atop a luxury black slate or marble Victorian mantel clock. At some point it was taken from its original clock mechanism, leaving a hollow base. A previous owner later finished it in a matte cream-white enamel paint to mimic French bisque porcelain.
-Condition Details: Beautiful, weathered antique condition. The non-original white enamel paint has naturally distressed over time. Chips and scuffs—here and there on her body and along the lower folds of her gown—gorgeously expose the sparkle (especially in light) factory-applied electroplated copper flash coat and dark underlying zinc core. The metal structure is completely solid and in good antique condition, at least 116 years old. It sits perfectly flat and stable on any tabletop. Sold as-is; please review all photos for scale and exact wear.

Item Specifics:
Subject: Sappho (Ancient Greek Poet)
Sculptor Style: After James Pradier (French, 1790-1852)
Material: Spelter (Zinc Alloy) with Copper Flash Plating
Era: Late Victorian / Art Nouveau (c.1880-1910)
Origin: Originally a Figural Clock Topper
Measures 7.25” wide by 6.75” tall