Bronze of an Arab merchant by Arthur Waagen

A fine and large bronze of an Arab merchant by Arthur Waagen 1833-1898. The bronze is typical of the style of the latter part of the Nineteenth century inspired by the exploration of north Africa and the middle east. The bronze shows a typical Arab merchant in a bazaar, offering his wears. In his hand he holds a chain which he is asking the viewer to inspect, at his feet is his box of stock with a long handle. The merchant is elaborately dressed with a red sash tying his robe, a head scarf and carrying a water flask at his waist. The bronze has been patinated and painted with a darker finish to represent the skin and polychrome paint for the various elements of his dress. The work is signed to the base ‘Waagen’. Max Arthur Waagen was born in the Baltic port of Memel, East Prussia. Having trained as a sculptor in Prussia Waagen moved to Paris to purse his artistic career where he appears to have permanently settled. He is recorded as having exhibited at the Paris Salon between 1861 and 1887 and that his studio was located at 40 Cours-de-Vincennes, and later 11 avenue Chevalier. He appears to have focused on Animalier and Orientalist works. The bronze is in good antique condition, the patination and paintwork is worn in places, it has also had an old professional repair to the left upper arm at the back, this has been very well done and unnoticeable to the average eye. This is a fine example of Waagen’s work with a huge amount of character and presence. C.1880.
Overall sizes in inches:
10 ¼ wide
6 ¾ deep
20 high