Statue, Portret kind - 15 cm - Pottery - 1910

Aanfeboxen becomes a beautiful, endearing Art Deco bust made of polychromed clay in the first decade of the 20th century.
It is an expressive bust with a deeply modeled childlike face in a hooded clay form. The dark-green polychrome surface contrasts with the worn gilded finish, giving the piece a strong sculptural presence and an almost devotional character.
An incised signature reads Charles van Wijk, a highly regarded Dutch sculptor at the time; he lived from 1875 to 1917. In his later life he produced many monumental sculptures.
This figurine now carries a charm.
The green and gold on the surface show a developed patina with light scattered damage, craquelure, and slight wear to the gilding.
The modeling retains a tactile quality with visible hand finishing. The figurine is suitable as a standalone decorative object or as part of a collection of figurative sculptures from the early 20th century.
On the back is the number 558. Presumably the sculpture was produced in a limited edition.
The figurine will be carefully packed for shipping with tracking and insured.