Condition: Used: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is ... Read moreabout the conditionUsed: An item that has been used previously. The item may have some signs of cosmetic wear, but is fully operational and functions as intended. This item may be a floor model or store return that has been used. See the seller’s listing for full details and description of any imperfections. See all condition definitionsopens in a new window or tab,Type: Sculpture,Material: Bronze,Time Period Manufactured: 1850-1899,Country of Origin: France Presented is a fantastic quality antique bronze statue of a young woman in classical Greek style garb, dating to the second half of the 1800s. The bronze is unsigned but certainly of continental European origin, likely French. The bronze is very detailed and well cast, showing the woman rather tentatively supported by a stepped plinth, one hand holding up the drapery of her chiton and the other on the plinth at her side. The look of the piece is very dynamic and expressive, with an exceptional level of detail in the flowing clothing and the woman's pulled back curly hair. Based on the engraved butterfly on the side of the plinth, the woman's youth, hairstyle, and the similarity to other depictions, I believe this is a statue of Psyche, certainly a popular subject at the time. Likely this is the moment of discovery, with Psyche stepping back in surprise against the pillar, at one time holding a lamp in her right hand. This piece is in great overall condition. The patina is in great shape overall, though there is a spot of green in one fold of her dress and a couple more around the base. There is some accumulated dust which could easily be cleaned up. It looks like she was holding something in her right hand originally, but the lack of it is only noticeable with close careful inspection. There is a stylized butterfly engraved on the base, we are unsure if this represents a signature or a clue to the subject or is just a design. The bronze stands about 16 inches tall and measures about 6 1/8 x 6 inches.