A.J. Scotte – Fleur des champs, Art Nouveau bust of a girl, terracotta

A charming Art Nouveau bust of a young country girl with a green bonnet and a loosely falling cape with a button, in polychrome painted terracotta. She glances sideways with a slight smile. The base is modelled as a rough trunk with red poppies and leaves. On the front is a metal plaque with the title 'Fleur des champs – par Scotte'. The back of the base bears the signature 'Scotte', and the side an oval stamp 'Céramique d’art' with monogram and the model number 137. A.J. Scotte (France, c. 1865–1925) made many figures and busts of young country women around 1900, in spelter, bronze and terracotta. The little face is painted in a lifelike way, with finely worked locks of hair and clear eyes, and the green of the bonnet and cape has remained beautiful. A real piece with character from the Belle Époque. Lovely on a mantelpiece, sideboard or pedestal, in an Art Nouveau, Belle Époque or classic interior, but also as a surprising accent in a calm, modern interior. Condition: good. The paintwork is well preserved, with light wear to the protruding edges of the cape and the base. No breaks, glued repairs or restorations seen.