Émile Guillemin (1841-1907) Orientalist Bust of a Young Turkish Woman

French Bronze high shine Orientalist Bust of Young Turkish Woman in Traditional Dress. Common for Orientalism, the bust is rendered in such high detail it feels as though the young woman sits before you. The gorgeous modeling showcases multiple textures and patterns throughout the piece, from the softness of her skin, the string of tassels across her brow, and the dynamic drapery of her scarves, to the hard chains with flat, disc-like links and two cloak pins strung together by a massive embellished chain with medallion-like links and a horn pendant. While western women were idealized in their busts, eastern beauties' features were hi-lighted in orientalist art; celebrated for their exotic beauty. Overall, a highly impressive example of the finely detailed polychrome sculptures for which Guillemin is best known.

signed - E. Guillemin - 1882

Artist: Émile-Coriolan-Hippolyte Guillemin (French, 1841-1907)

Emile Guillemin made his debut at the Salon in 1870, and from 1877 submitted works on exclusively Orientalist themes, receiving an Honorable Mention for sculpture in 1897. Although his oeuvre included a wide range of subjects, Guillemin specialised in ethnographic sculpture and is renowned as a proponent of the Orientalist movement. His approach to his subjects was not simply decorative and, as in the work of Charles Cordier, Guillemin went to great lengths to ensure the accuracy of the costumes and physiognomies of his busts.

Origin: France

Dated 1882.

Materials: French bronze, rouge marble, presumed coral

Dimensions: 25 1/4"H, 16 1/2" x 9 3/4"