A good Art Nouveau period gilt bronze bust of a peasant woman signed by the master bronzier Ferdinand Barbedienne and with the Colas Reduction Mechanique stamp to the reverse. Set on a square piece of off white marble the head of the woman looks to dexter. Her features are fine and strong and her long hair is untied and somewhat matted. She is well formed and her breasts push against the lacing of her bodice. The ormolu is original and as yet has not been cleaned but it is easy to see that the gilding is perfect below the layer of dirt. A fine bronze in original condition. French Circa 1890. 11.25 inches high by 6.5 inches wide by 3.6 inches deep (28 cms by 16 cms by 9 cms)