A beautiful antique sculpture of Louis XVIth period in gilt bronze of a young woman in a state of undress. Probably a water nymph she sits upon a rock and holds in her hands garlands of flowers that protect her modesty. She looks to dexter and slightly down towards an ormolu urn from which the flowers overflow. The finishing and chasing of this bronze is quite superb as is the mercury gilding which although uncleaned is in very fine condition. Her hair is tied loosely in a knot and cascades over her shoulders. The face and figure is typical of the work of Falconet, ( Etienne-Maurice Falconet (b Paris, 1 Dec 1716; d Paris, 24 Jan 1791). Falconet was a principal sculptor and designer, Madame de Pompadour was his patron. He designed for Sevres and for many of the great clockmakers and was much copied. This fine sclpture dates from circa 1770-80. 13 inches high with base radius of 4 inches and 5.25 widest ( 32.5 cms by 10 cms by 13 cms).