Isabelle Bloom Concrete Sculpture of a Girl with Bird

This is an original handcrafted sculpture created by the renowned Iowa artist Isabelle Bloom. The piece depicts a simplified, modernistic young girl with her head tilted upward in a peaceful expression, cradling a small bird in her hands. The sculpture is cast in Bloom's signature concrete composite, characterized by a heavy, durable feel and a distinctive textured surface. It features the traditional 'teal' or 'weathered' bluish-gray finish with white highlights in the recessed details to create depth and highlight the intricate patterns. The girl's skirt is embellished with vertical rows of stylized floral and dot patterns, a common motif in Bloom's middle-to-late period works. The sculpture appears to be in excellent condition with no visible cracks, chips, or major structural damage. There is a natural, pleasing patina consistent with indoor display. The bottom of the piece typically carries the artist's impressed signature or a foil label, which confirms its provenance as an authentic work from the Davenport, Iowa studio. This piece demonstrates the high-quality craftsmanship of the 'clay-like' concrete mold technique used to mimic stone carvings. Estimated to be from the late 20th century, this larger vertical format is highly sought after by collectors for its serene aesthetic and mid-century modern influence.

I have carefully examined the provided descriptions and images of the Isabelle Bloom concrete sculpture, 'Girl with Bird.' This piece exhibits the classic hallmarks of Bloom’s Davenport, Iowa studio, including the signature green-tinted concrete composite and the 'snowy' white dusting within the recessed textures. The stylistic execution—specifically the stylized floral motifs on the skirt and the peaceful, rounded facial features—places this in the mid-to-late period of production. The condition appears to be Excellent; the absence of chipping on the extremities (like the bird or the girl’s hair) is notable, as concrete can be prone to hairline fracturing. The secondary market for Isabelle Bloom remains steady, particularly for larger vertical designs or discontinued motifs which appeal to regional collectors in the Midwest. While mass-produced to a degree, the handcrafted nature of the finishing ensures no two are identical. Similar figures of this scale typically trade in the $100 to $200 range at regional auctions and specialized estate sales. The primary value drivers here are the size of the sculpture and the pristine condition of the signature teal patina. Please note that this appraisal is based on photographic evidence. A definitive authentication would require an in-person physical inspection to verify the depth of the impressed signature, the weight of the casting, and to rule out any professional restorations or modern reproductions. Documentation such as a dated gallery receipt or original foil sticker would further solidify the provenance and market value.