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Guardian of the Harem
Item Description
Fabulous Orientalist terracotta statue sculpted by the artist Prunier for Goldscheider circa 1894-98.
This fine looking Arabic man, titled 'Guardian of the Harem' is modelled protecting the ladies of the harem from unwelcome visitors. His face is beautifully sculpted, as are his richly coloured and striped robes. He's wearing a heavy loose belt around his waist and, in this version of the statue, is carrying a lethal looking curved scimitar which is made of metal. This is unusual as he is more commonly seen holding a long barrelled rifle, but the scimitar undoubtedly looks more in keeping with his position and the theme of the piece.
In good condition, with a few unsurprising small scuffs commensurate with its age. The man's top hand has had some professional restoration but this has been carried out to a very high standard and looks excellent.
Signed Prunier on the base and numbered verso 1421/257/16. Also with the Goldscheider potter plaque.
Approximately 80 cm high, 30 cm wide and 25 deep.
N.B. In 2011 a similar model to this, but holding a rifle, sold at auction in Paris for over €16,000
Lit: Dechant/Goldscheider p. 321 – also Pinhas pp. 68 & 75.