Auguste PUTTEMANS (1866 - 1922) Isis, goddess of life sculpture in bronze with brown patina. Inscribed on the base: I am what has been and what will be. No mortal has yet lifted the veil that covers me". Signed on the terrace and founder's stamp on the back "Fonderie Nationale des bronzes Ancienne Firme J. Petermann St Gilles Bruxelles". 59.5 cm X 29 cm X 37.5 cm Note: A totally symbolic work, the goddess Isis-Nature is the supreme divinity of the Freemason circles. In this representation, Isis is veiled, thus recalling the mystery of life. In her left hand, she holds the Ânkh cross, the symbol of life, and her index finger points downwards, a reminder of the human condition. Her right hand holds a perfume burner with three flames, symbols of the past, present and future. The many details are reminiscent of ancient Egyptian aesthetics, symbolising the cosmic and earthly powers of the gods Amun and Horus. This work by Auguste Puttemans was chosen in 1922 as a gift of thanks to Herbert Hoover, who founded the Commission for Relief in Belgium. The purpose of this commission was to provide food to Belgium during the First World War, which was then occupied by the German Empire. To our knowledge, this sculpture is the only bronze model to have been cast in reduction as a presentation to the Belgian committee meeting for the occasion. The sculpture, which was presented to the Americans in 1922, has stood in front of Herbert Hoover's house in West Branch, Iowa, since 1939. A different version of the veiled Isis was made by Auguste Puttemans, and presented at the 'Egypt. Eternelle passion' at the Musée Royal de Mariemont (24/09/22 - 16/04/23)