Naar Auguste Moreau (1834-1917) - Statue, Un Secret (ook wel bekend als The Confidence of Les Deux Putti) - 22 cm - Patinated bronze

Auguste Moreau (1834–1917) – Monumental & antique patinated bronze sculpture "Un Secret" (Two putti) on a marble plinth – France, ca. 1890–1910

Exceptionally refined and heavily antique French bronze sculpture depicting two whispering cherubs/putti, titled "Un Secret" (or "The Confidence"), designed by the famous French master sculptor Auguste Moreau (1834–1917).

About the subject & style
This iconic design embodies the elegance of French Art Nouveau and late 19th-century romantic sculpture. On a rocky base strewn with flowers, two charmingly detailed little children sit. One child leans lovingly over and whispers a secret into the other's ear, who listens with a subtle smile. The anatomy, the graceful drapery folds, and the sparkling expressions on the faces testify to the mastery for which the Moreau family became world-renowned.

Craftsmanship, Material & Authenticity
This is a high-quality, solid bronze casting with a substantial mass of no less than 3.6 kg for a height of 22 cm.

Authentic bronze casting: A scratch analysis on the untreated interior confirms the presence of high-quality, gold-yellow bronze beneath the dark surface layer (and thus not lighter zamak/régule).

Traditional casting process: The rough, granular texture on the inside shows that this sculpture was cast using the classical sand-casting method.

Casting and assembly numbers: On the inside of the central cast beam are original assembly numbers ("24") inscribed by the foundry. These numbers were used around 1900 by the French bronze founder to ensure the precise match between the cast bronze and the corresponding marble base.

Signature: On the back of the rock base the signature "Aug. Moreau" is sharply cast into the bronze.

Patina: The statue has a warm, deep brown bronze patina. On the highest parts of the locks, faint handling wear reveals a subtle underlying golden bronze sheen, underscoring layering and age.

Condition
The sculpture is in very beautiful and completely original antique condition. The marble is intact without edge damage, and the central mounting rod at the bottom securely fixes the piece to the plinth.

A rare, honest, heavy, and high-quality museum-worthy collectible that, as a showpiece, perfectly complements the French classical living atmosphere and the "L’Art de Vivre" theme sale.

Packaging & Shipping
Professional packaging: Given the weight (3.6 kg) and the marble’s fragility, the sculpture is wrapped with the utmost care. It is repeatedly wrapped in foam padding, thick bubble wrap, and secured in a sturdy double-wall cardboard box.
Insured shipping: The package is sent registered and 100% fully insured with a Track & Trace code.

Specifications:
Object: Sculpture / Artwork
Artist: Auguste Moreau (1834–1917)
Title of the work: Un Secret (also known as The Confidence of Les Deux Putti)
Material: Patinated solid bronze on an oval polished black marble plinth
Style / Period: French Art Nouveau / Late Louis XVI Revival / Belle Époque (ca. 1890–1910)
Country of origin: France
Signature: Signed on the bronze rock base (Aug. Moreau)
Condition: Excellent antique condition with original patina
Dimensions: 22 cm high × 18 cm wide × 12 cm deep
Weight: 3600 grams (3.6 kg)