A large and exceptionally substantial antique plaster sculpture depicting La Baigneuse—the Nymph Descending to the Bath—after the celebrated 1757 composition by the French sculptor Étienne-Maurice Falconet (1716–1791).

The young bather is portrayed looking down as she delicately extends one foot towards the water, gathering drapery across her thigh. Shells, fabric and naturalistic forms create the support beneath her, all raised upon an integral circular socle.

This is a finely worked, near-full-size cast of impressive quality. It has a smooth ivory-white, marble-like appearance and, at approximately 29.4 kg, is considerably heavier and more substantial than the lightweight decorative plaster figures commonly encountered. From a short distance it could readily be mistaken for carved marble.

The sculpture closely follows the marble Baigneuse held by the Musée du Louvre. The Louvre version measures 80.5 cm high, while this example stands 85 cm. Falconet first exhibited the model at the Paris Salon of 1757 under the title Nymphe qui descend au bain.

The socle bears the clearly incised workshop or model number 944. The underside carries a deliberately carved, stylised monogram or workshop device, most plausibly read as an elongated L, although possibly a J or numeral 7.

The precise casting workshop has not been established. The long-established French Atelier Lorenzi, founded in 1871, retains a mould for an 83 cm version of Falconet’s Baigneuse, making a French academic-casting origin particularly credible. However, this example is not being offered as a confirmed Lorenzi cast.

Probably French or Continental European and dating from the late nineteenth or early twentieth century, circa 1880–1930.

A striking decorative sculpture suitable for a large hallway, drawing room, conservatory, boutique hotel or classical interior.

Dimensions: Height: 85 cm, Width: 28 cm, Depth: 30 cm, Weight: approximately 29.4 kg

Price breakdown: Nymph Descending to the Bath—after - £915, Courier/Delivery Fee UK MAINLAND ONLY - £80