France 1890: An Allegory of Learning, Lovely Bronze Bas Relief Medal, Listed

Description: Auction description France 1890: An Allegory of Learning, Lovely Bronze Bas Relief Medaillion, Listed Artist The small bronze bas-relief medal -- medallion you see here, beautifully cast on both sides, is the work of a listed artist, the sculptor and medallion designer Jules Prosper Legastellois (1855-1931), who exhibited regularly in the late nineteenth century, and who eventually received the Légion d'Honneur, On one side of this object, bearing the artist's full signature, a lovely young woman with a fine figure, in classical dress, is instructing two pupils, a girl and a young man. I think she may be Minerva, the goddess of Wisdom. The pupils are both listening attentively to the lesson (or perhaps the guy is figuring out how to get a date with the teacher...) On the other side, we see symbols of the arts and sciences, and the name of an institution. The bottom half would have been inscribed with the name of a prize winner, but in this exemplar, probably uncirculated, noone (except the next owner of this fine piece) has won the prize. I surmise that this is the work mentioned by the authoritative Bénézit "Dictionnaire," conserved in the collection of the Limoges museum, under the title "La Jeunesse" (Youth). The medallion measures about 2 inches in diameter. Condition overall is quite good, and I love the rich, deep patina acquired over the last 100 years. A medal by this artist sold at a New Orleans, LA auction in 2009 for $125. This one is modestly, and I believe, quite advantageously priced. Shipping within the U.S. will be $12. And to see what else I have for sale, please click here.

Price: 38.99 USD

Location: Amesbury, Massachusetts

End Time: 2024-11-18T21:11:24.000Z

Shipping Cost: 12 USD