Featured La Favorite

Discussion in 'Antique Discussion' started by Ghopper1924, Jun 2, 2026 at 9:42 AM.

  1. Ghopper1924

    Ghopper1924 Well-Known Member

    Good morning everyone!

    This is my new "Favorite" bronze. It's entitled "La Favorite," by "Ele" (Emile) Guillemin, made in Paris in the 1890s. It's depicts Leonara, mistress of the King of Spain in the 14th Century. The opera was written by Gaetano Donizetti and first performed in 1840, with annual performances in Paris through the 1890s, with a huge revival in 1895-96. This opera was a major event year after year.

    This bronze is signed "Ele Guillemin" and weighs in at about 100 pounds. The base (socle) reads "La Favorite," indicating that it was made in France, as the title was expressed as "La Favorita" in Italian. See photo 3. Leonara is dressed as a gypsy because Guillemin was a confirmed "orientalist," so my interpretation is that he was not attempting to clothe her in the garb of the 14th Century, but rather to express her (Narcissistic?) and certainly enthusiastic spirit in the fashion of the 1890s.

    I have not seen another one of these. If you can find one, hopefully it will have a price attached to it for our further edification.

    Cheers friends!!


    1.jpeg 2.jpeg 3.jpeg 4.jpeg
     
    Ghopper1924, Jun 2, 2026 at 9:42 AM
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  2. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    Any Jewelry, Jun 2, 2026 at 11:39 AM
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    Boland, kentworld, bercrystal and 1 other person like this.
  3. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    Any Jewelry, Jun 2, 2026 at 11:42 AM
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    bercrystal likes this.
  4. Ghopper1924

    Ghopper1924 Well-Known Member

    Well done @Any Jewelry , thank you!!

    All of these photos show Leonora missing her mirror, whether it was never there or maybe it was broken off. I think one of the photos (the tallest listed) simply had the wrong dimensions. Odd that they all seem to originate in Brazil?!?
    Thinking that these may be later castings.
     
    Ghopper1924, Jun 2, 2026 at 12:33 PM
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  5. Any Jewelry

    Any Jewelry Well-Known Member

    That struck me as well.
    Could be. Maybe a Brazilian foundry?
     
    Any Jewelry, Jun 2, 2026 at 1:17 PM
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  6. Ghopper1924

    Ghopper1924 Well-Known Member

    Could very well be!

    also, I noticed a considerable loss of detail in these Brazilian examples. Definitely later castings, maybe unauthorized.

    If an original is anywhere to be seen, I’d love a link.
     
    Ghopper1924, Jun 2, 2026 at 2:08 PM
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