19th Century French Terracotta Hand-Sculpted & Painted Statue ~ Figurine

19th Century French Terracotta Hand-Sculpted & Painted Statue ~ Figurine represents an insight not only into the talents of rural artists in France during the waning years of the Napoleon III Period.  Carefully sculpted from local clay then fired to create the figurine, the real challenge then became bringing the figure to life, which the artist has most capably done.  This busy and hard-working French woman has a look of determination on her face, with a day's full of work ahead of her.  Dressed in simple clothing, she carries not one but two ceramic jugs under one arm, and a full bucket in the other.  Wonderful earth tones were used to provide highlight, drawn from the natural coloration of the region providing a lifelike realism to the work.
Circa 1870s
Measures 12.5H x 6W x 5D