Bronze sculpture ‘Rebecca’ by Gaston Leroux, late 19th century

This bronze cast, measuring 74 cm in height, is entitled ‘Rebecca’ and bears the signature of Gaston Leroux on the base. The work depicts a young water carrier in Oriental dress secured by an ornate belt, steadying the jar on her head with one hand while the other rests on her hip. The figure is shown stepping over what appear to be the steps of a well, with chasing and patination evident on the drapery and adornments. A regular exhibitor at the Salon from 1882, the artist specialised in Orientalist subjects, producing bronze editions of emblematic figures such as ‘Aïda’, ‘Guerrier arabe’ and this ‘Rebecca’.