CHARLES-HENRI-JOSEPH CORDIER (1827-1905)
Algerian onyx-marble, bronze and gilt bronze, enamel, amethyst eyes; white marble socle
French (Paris), 1862

Cordier was Europe's premier ethnographical sculptor. He treated his subjects, studies intensely during travels in France's North African colonies, as exotic beings but not as stereotypes. He presents our richly dressed young beauty as alert but also contemplative. This is the earliest dated example of a composition that won marked success, in each case replicated with variants in the materials used. The Algerian onyx-marble was quarried expressly for Cordier's use. The pedestals of this and the companion bust nearby, the Capresse des Colonies, are original, attributable to Charles-François Rossigneux. Bust and pedestals together were bought directly from Cordier by the Cercle des Phocéens, a gentlemen's club in Marseille.

This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source, community effort, if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.