Alexandre FALGUIERE (1831-1900), "Buste de Diane", bronze with a medallic patina mounted on a veined grey marble base. Signed "A. Falguière" on the shoulder and bears the founder's stamp "THIEBAUT FRERES FONDEURS PARIS". Alexandre FALGUIERE (1831-1900), "Buste de Diane", bronze with a medallic patina mounted on a veined grey marble base. Signed "A. Falguière" on the shoulder and bears the founder's stamp "THIEBAUT FRERES FONDEURS PARIS". H. 44 x 36 x 30 cm (bust) H. 12 x 15 x 30 cm (base) H. 56 cm (with base) Reference: Pierre Kjellberg "Les bronzes du XIXe siècle" éd. de l'amateur 2001 p.312. For a similar cast, see: Drouot sale, 26 Oct 1984, room 1; Fontainebleau, 2 June 1985; Drouot 8 Oct 1986, room 1. See also a smaller marble of this Diana presented at De Vuyst in Belgium on 1 March 2025 under lot 37 and another cast at Crait + Müller in Paris on 6.12.2022 under lot 74. Note: Alexandre Falguière (1831-1900), a French sculptor and painter, distinguished himself with academic and allegorical works combining dynamism and expressiveness. His bust of Diana, representing the incarnation of the goddess of hunting and wild nature, reflects his talent for combining classical elegance and realism. With particular attention paid to the details of the face and hairstyle, this sculpture testifies to his ability to capture feminine grace and strength, a central theme in his work. While the influence of classical sculpture and the Italian Renaissance, particularly that of Giambologna (1529-1608), is perceptible, Falguière was fully in line with the academic tradition of the 19th century, favouring subtle naturalism and romantic idealisation.