Joseph François Belin, Char du progrès (French for "Chariot of Progress"), late 19th century-early 20th century.
Figure depicting a woman in a chariot, wearing a loose, flowing dress, exposing her legs and arms. The woman lifts up her left hand with a torch. The platform of the chariot is decorated with a geometric motif, imitating upholstery, the spokes of the wheels are decorated, excellent reproduction of details. The sculpture on a round metal base, which is set on a slightly larger round wooden base. On the left side of the metal base the sculptor's signature "Belin". On the front at the very bottom of the wooden base, a metal badge with the barely visible inscription "CHAR DU PROGRES / par G. Leroux" (French for "Chariot of progress / by G. Leroux"). Condition of the sculpture very good, the upper part of the torch held by the woman is missing. Wooden base with losses from woodworms.
France, late 19th century-early 20th century.
Dimensions:
- wooden base: diameter: 16 cm
- Height (with base): 52.2 cm.
Joseph François Belin (?-1908) - French sculptor. The sculpture is most likely inspired by the texts of journalist and writer Gaston Leroux (cf. the inscription on the badge on the wooden base), a great advocate of progress and feminism.
