Statue, "La Rencontre" - 36 cm - rule

Beautiful antique sculpture in Regula period style "La Rencontre" – Auguste Moreau Style (Late 19th / Early 20th Century)

Fascinating antique sculpture in regula (zinc/tin alloy) with a refined brown patina that imitates the tones of ancient bronze.
The work is historically identified under the title "La Rencontre" (The Encounter) and depicts a romantic and bucolic scene: a young couple of lovers in traditional rural attire is captured in a moment of understanding. The boy holds a basket filled with fruit in his left hand, while the girl is shown in a graceful motion, with the drapery of the dress finely detailed to accentuate the dynamism of the pose.

From a stylistic and iconographic point of view, the subject fully fits within the celebrated production of the French sculptor dynasty Moreau (notably Auguste Moreau), undisputed masters of decorative statuary during the Belle Époque and Art Nouveau.
The inner base structure is hollow and shows the typical grayish surface of regula castings of the period. No signatures or punches are visible on the base.
thanks to the notable metal thickness, the object boasts a substantial weight relative to its size, a sign of excellent build quality of the era.

Material: Regula (antimony/tin) with brown patina
Period: Late 19th century / Early 20th century (Art Nouveau / Belle Époque period).
Height: 36 cm.
Weight: 4.9 kg.
Country of origin: France.
Signature / Marks: None present.

CONDITION OF THE OBJECT
The sculpture is in generally good condition, fully consistent with the age and period of the piece. The surface patina is well preserved, uniform and glossy, with minimal and normal signs of wear that testify to its authenticity and history.
The metal structure is perfectly solid and free of fractures, breaks, or missing parts.
At the lower interior part of the base, small removable modern protective felt pads have been applied.