Bronze sculpture "The Shepherd's Star" by Henri Louis Levasseur 1880

Large bronze sculpture by Henri Louis Levasseur. It is an allegory of "The Morning Star" (the name traditionally given to the planet Venus, the first star visible at dusk and the last to fade at dawn). The female figure represents Venus / Diana personifying night or dawn. The curved bow she holds in her right hand, which wraps behind her, is actually the crescent moon's sickle. Originally, a small bronze star was fixed at the tip of her raised finger / hollow of her hand. This is a very fragile element that has disappeared on many examples of this model. Henri Louis Levasseur (1853–1934) is a recognised French sculptor of the 19th century, a student of great masters such as Auguste Dumont and Eugène Delaplanche. He specialised in mythological figures, allegorical subjects, and Art Nouveau / Belle Époque themes. His works are exhibited in several museums (such as the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris). The mention "Hors Concours" on the plaque indicates that he had already received the highest distinctions at the Salon des Artistes Français (notably the 1st Gold Medal), allowing him to exhibit without going before the selection jury. The Patina: The bronze has a well-preserved nuanced brown patina. There are very beautiful underlying gildings and reliefs well highlighted by the natural wear of time (notably on the draperies and the body). It has not been stripped or aggressively altered. Note: The small star she originally held in her raised left hand is missing (a common case for this model); furthermore, the piece has a rich original brown patina. Slight indentation on the base (last photo).