La Favorite

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!!