Salammbô by Marcel Début

Important bronze standing sculpture with polychrome patinas and enamel highlights representing Salammbô, the Carthaginian princess.
The subject of the sculpture is taken from Gustave Flaubert’s novel, Salammbô, published in 1862. The story takes place between 241 and 238 BC. The Libyan Mâthô, leader of the barbarian soldiers, is in love with Salammbô, the daughter of his Carthaginian enemy. The femme fatale character represented by Salammbô inspired many other artists, particularly those from the orientalist movement.

Salammbô, represented in oriental costume, richly adorned with sumptuous jewels. Her right hand raised, she holds a lyre in her left hand.

She wears a cap of coins with a uraeus on her head.
In ancient Egypt, the uraeus represents a cobra – Wadjet – which, adorning the front of the crown of Pharaoh, protected him and represented Lower Egypt.

The sculpture is entitled on the terrace “Salammbô” in relief.
Signed M.Début on the base.
French work executed around 1900-1920.

The sculpture rests on a twisted column in green serpentine marble, swivel top.