Pierre Félix FIX-MASSEAU (1869-1937) Oriental female head, in the spirit of Russian ballets Gilded bronze proof, signed, foundry stamp "JOLLET Cie, Bronzes, Paris, Anc[ien]ne M[ais]on Colin Cie". Resting on an antique green marble base. Height Total: 40.5 cm (Worn patina) Pierre-Félix Fix-Masseau (1869-1937) was an artist from Lyon steeped in Symbolist references, his work even described by contemporary critics as "literary sculpture". An eccentric figure with a Christ-like allure, his affair with the sultry Mina Schrader de Nyzot made headlines. This muse (also a model for Rodin) inspired him to create numerous sculptures, of which our head is undoubtedly not without influence. Our work marks a major stylistic turning point, between the symbolism evident in this introspective face with closed eyelids and the art nouveau style in the supple, naturalistic treatment of our female figure. Oriental influences can also be seen in the elegant headdress, decorated with snakes and fantastic winged animals, directly inspired by the Russian ballets with their sumptuous costumes and great artistic impact. Our woman's head thus celebrates an era of splendor with calm and sensitivity, illustrating an interesting contrast, but always treated with the same poetic breath characteristic of Fix-Masseau's work.