Antique St Therese of Lisieux with the Infant Jesus plaster statue signed L Alliot.
Lucien Alliot (1877-1956) was a French sculptor who created some statues for the Carmelite Sisters in Lisieux from 1909.
This representation was created in the 1920s. The text on the base says in French 'St Therese of the Infant Jesus. Allegory of her inner life'.
This is a very rare depiction of St Therese and the Infant Jesus. Alliot was inspired by the first part of the Saint's poem titled 'An Unpetalled Rose'. He was also inspired by a painting by Sister Mary of the Holy Spirit depicting Therese with the Holy Family in St Joseph's workshop in Nazareth.
The original statue was displayed in an exhibition in Lisieux a few years ago. 
This is a stunning and large piece that I had never seen before but it has many imperfections. It was probably badly stored by its previous owner.
There is the stamp from the 'Ateliers St Joseph. Lisieux' underneath. The reproductions were made there.
Like in the painting of Sister Mary of the Holy Spirit, Therese is depicted with open arms, on her knees with Jesus running towards her. She is carrying roses and some are seen on the floor.
The Jesus figurine can be removed from the large base just like in the original statue.
The signature of L Alliot is seen at the back.
The statue was left exposed to dust for a long time so there are black marks visible and incrusted dust. The plaster has also discoloured with time and the colour is not even. It has gone brown or yellow in places.
There are scratches, cracks and small chips.
Therese has one hand missing. The hands of Jesus are damaged, one leg has a piece missing and his feet have been broken. One foot was repaired at some point but cracks are still visible. The leg and feet could be repaired with plaster or white air-dry clay.
The statue is very heavy and weighs 5 kilograms hence the high postage price.
Size at the base: 40 x 21 cm / 15.74 x 8.26 inches
Height:  approx. 37 cm / 14.56 inches.
The pictures are part of the description.
 
Import duties and taxes are the buyer's responsibility.
 
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