Quite like the Napoleon III French Blackamoors, which hail back to Napoleon's conquests and expansion of Empire and that early fascination with exotics, but this one is not cast spelter, but is a lost wax bronze, heavy and solid. Superb fine detail, gilded metal for his wrap and mounted on a raised plinth, he is not a slave - these have nothing at all to do with slavery but are depictions of the markets and the beautiful people of other lands as they would sell to their public. This seller holds a basket and his outstretched hand is drilled to hold something like a match, though in his village he might have been selling candles or torches, instead. An interesting detail about this one is that his scalp is slightly recessed, as if perhaps the statue was fitted with a wig or a headdress? The Blackamoor hair might have fully fascinated the French, and I'm leaning to it having been a black fleece 'wig'. It's fabulous just as it is - just mentioning it because I've never seen one done in that way. Again, heavy cast bronze - not the much later 2nd Empire speltermetal ones made into liqueur caddy, etc.. I do not see a signature. Full measurements are noted on the photos.
Very good to excellent, no breaks or bends. He's wonderful as a match caddy on fireplace mantel, or near cigar service - at table. Matches shown as example, they're not included. This figure is Napoleon Era, First Empire, c.1800-20. I find no flaws to note. Stunning beautiful piece!
