after Ernest Wante (1872-1960) - Sculpture

Height: 32,7 cm. Weight: 6662 g. Condition: The sculpture is in good antique condition, with age-related wear, patination, surface marks and minor imperfections consistent with its age and materials. The bronze female figure was formerly secured to the stone structure with adhesive. I have deliberately not renewed the adhesive, as keeping the bronze figure removable makes it considerably safer to pack and ship. The figure fits naturally into its intended position and the complete composition presents very well, as shown in the photographs. The buyer may, if desired, re-secure the bronze figure after delivery with a suitable conservation-grade adhesive. Traces of earlier adhesive remain visible in places and are shown clearly in the photographs. The stone has natural irregularities, fissures, crystalline inclusions and rough areas inherent to the material and to the intentionally rustic carving. Rare Belgian Art Nouveau Orientalist “Rebecca at the Well” – Bronze & Carved Natural Stone – Related to Ernest Wante (1872–1960) An impressive and highly decorative Orientalist sculptural composition depicting Rebecca at the Well, executed in a striking combination of gilt and patinated bronze with a large hand-carved natural stone base. The composition is particularly unusual for its elaborate setting. The substantial stone mass has been individually carved with an Egyptian-style female or pharaonic head, architectural details, rockwork and a fountain or well niche. The stone displays attractive variegated tones of grey, beige, reddish-brown and lighter crystalline veining. As the exact mineral has not been professionally tested, it is conservatively described as natural stone, although its appearance is consistent with a marble or calcitic ornamental stone. The bronze figure of Rebecca is especially noteworthy. Its pose, drapery and overall modelling correspond very closely to the documented “Rebecca at the Well” model associated with Ernest Wante (1872–1960). Wante was a Belgian artist and sculptor born in Ghent, trained in Antwerp and closely connected with the Belgian artistic tradition of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Antwerp and later taught there; works by him are preserved in major Belgian collections, including museums in Ghent and Antwerp. Inventaris Onroerend Erfgoed This Belgian connection gives the present composition particular interest, especially for collectors of Belgian sculpture, Orientalist art and fin-de-siècle decorative arts. The bronze figure itself shows finely modelled drapery, expressive facial features and an attractive contrast between warm gilt surfaces and darker patinated areas. The separate amphora has a deep green-brown patina and geometric decoration, adding further visual richness to the ensemble. The stone base bears the inscription “Rebecca”, identifying the subject. In addition, the stone portion carries a further incised signature or inscription, apparently a surname and possibly Italian in character, although I could not identify it with certainty. Documented works by Ernest Wante are often signed “E. Wante”; such a signature is not present here. For this reason, the present sculpture is offered conservatively as closely related to / after the documented model associated with Ernest Wante, rather than as a fully authenticated signed work by the artist. One of the strongest aspects of the piece is the contrast between the refined bronze figure and the monumental, deliberately rugged stone setting. The Egyptian head, carved directly into the stone, gives the composition a powerful Orientalist character and makes it considerably more unusual than a conventional bronze figure on a standard base.

Schätzpreis:€850

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