Bronze Planter ‘Chrysalide’ by Paul-François Berthoud

This French Art Nouveau patinated bronze planter, “Chrysalide” (Chrisalis), by Paul-François Berthoud, features the head of a woman emerging from foliage. Cast in deep releif, the female form, who emerges forcefully from the two sweeps of foliage that crown her, has a countenance of blissful nonchalance, her peaceful expression, eyes closed in repose, counters the extremity of the swirling and agitated movement of her hair. The apex of her crown is a folded over bloom, which meets her forehead so gently she seems unaware of its presence.