Levasseur Henri Louis, The Shepherd's Star, 1880s, Bronze

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Description

A very large bronze sculpture by Henri Louis Levasseur.

It is an allegory of the "Evening Star" (the traditional name … Read more A very large bronze sculpture by Henri Louis Levasseur.

It is an allegory of the "Evening Star" (the traditional name given to the planet Venus, the first star visible at dusk and the last to disappear at dawn).
The female figure represents Venus/Diana, personifying night or dawn.
The curved bow she holds in her right hand, which curls behind her, is actually the sickle of the crescent moon.
Originally, a small bronze star was attached to the tip of her raised hand. This very fragile element has disappeared from many casts of this model.
Henri Louis Levasseur (1853–1934) was a renowned 19th-century French sculptor, a student of great masters such as Auguste Dumont and Eugène Delaplanche. He specialized in mythological and allegorical figures, as well as Art Nouveau/Belle Époque subjects. His works are exhibited in several museums (such as the Luxembourg Gardens in Paris).
The inscription "Hors Concours" (Out of Competition) on the plaque indicates that he had already received the highest distinctions at the Salon des Artistes Français (notably the 1st Gold Medal), which allowed him to exhibit without going before the selection jury.

The Patina: The bronze has a well-preserved, nuanced brown patina of its original finish. Beautiful underlying gilding and reliefs are highlighted by the natural wear of time (particularly on the draperies and the body). It has not been aggressively stripped or altered. This piece has an attribution mark,
I am sure that it is completely authentic and take full responsibility for any authenticity
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