Baigneuse (Bather)
Sculpture, figurative statue • Antonin Mercie (French, 1845–1916). The owner's hint regarding a first name of 4-6 letters (Antonin) and a second name of 9-10 letters starting with D likely refers to the foundry mark 'F. Barbedienne' or may reflect a slight misremembering of the artist 'Antonin Mercier' (often spelled Mercie).
Style & Movement
Academic Realism / Belle Époque French Sculpture.
Medium & Technique
Bronze; cast using either the lost-wax (cire perdue) or sand-casting method, with a dark brown/black chemical patina.
Creation Period
Late 19th Century to early 20th Century (circa 1880-1910).
Dimensions & Format
Estimated height: 30–36 inches (75-90 cm); Vertical format on an integral oval base.
Subject Description
The work depicts a semi-nude female figure in a graceful, naturalistic pose, stepping onto a rocky outcropping or preparing to enter water. It explores classic themes of the female bather, emphasizing fluid lines, refined anatomy, and a sense of contemplative movement common in French Salon art.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Good to Very Good. The bronze retains a consistent dark patina with minimal verdigris.
Estimated Market Value
$3,000 – $6,000 USD
Auction Estimate
$2,500 – $4,500 USD
Provenance History
Likely a high-quality cast produced for the private interior market in the late 19th century. Similar pieces are often found with inscriptions from the Barbedienne foundry in Paris.
Art Historical Significance
The piece represents the pinnacle of 19th-century French bronze casting. While less famous than Mercie's 'Gloria Victis', his studies of the female form were highly sought after during the Third Republic for their technical perfection and adherence to Classical beauty standards.
Notable Features
The presence of a foundry seal (likely A. Collas or Barbedienne) on the base and the signature 'A. Mercie' inscribed in the bronze. The quality of the chasing (finishing work) on the hair and rocky texture is a sign of a premium casting.
Condition Issues
Minor surface wear consistent with age, particularly on protruding points (feet, knees). Potential dust accumulation in the crevices of the rocky base.
Conservation Recommendations
Periodic light dusting with a soft natural-hair brush. Avoid chemical cleaners; a microcrystalline wax (like Renaissance Wax) can be applied to protect the patina if handled frequently.
Collector Notes
The artist name is in the sculpture. The first name is 4-6 letters and the second is 9-10 and starts with a D.