Art Nouveau Statue Appraisal

Figural Statue of a Woman

This appears to be a figural statue depicting the upper torso of a woman, possibly crafted from a ceramic or terracotta material, and potentially with some elements of paper mache or similar composite medium given its somewhat irregular and organic texture. The figure is rendered in a somewhat folk art or outsider art style, characterized by its less refined details and expressive quality. The woman's face is light tan or beige, with undefined features, suggesting a focus on the overall form rather than precise realism. Her hair, which appears to be pulled back, is depicted in a darker, greenish-brown tone. She is wearing a garment that has a V-neckline and appears to have short sleeves, colored in a mottled dark green and black, showing intentional texturing or an aged patinated finish, possibly imitating bronze or aged copper. Her hands are clasped together at waist level, holding what appears to be a small, light brown, stylized floral or spherical object. The lower part of the figure, from the waist down, is a contrasting light beige or cream color, with visible folds creating the impression of a skirt or draped fabric. The overall construction suggests a handmade origin. The visible texture throughout, particularly on the 'clothing' and 'skirt' areas, indicates a certain degree of craftsmanship but not a highly polished or industrialized finish. The dark green and black portions show variability in color saturation, suggesting either applied patinas or uneven glazing. There are no discernible maker's marks or signatures visible in the provided images. The condition appears to be relatively good with no obvious chips or cracks, but the intentionally rough finish might obscure minor imperfections. The style points to a mid-20th century or later creation, possibly a studio art piece rather than a mass-produced item. The distinct color blocking and textural contrast add to its unique character.