A spelter sculpture of a prone odalisque figure by Louis Hottot

Turbaned and bejewelled, the figure in this three-piece spelter sculpture reclines on a divan. She props up her torso by her elbows, which rest upon silk pillows creased by her weight. Her head is upright, her face forward with a subtle smile, and her feet are elevated and crossed. She wears a turban topped by a fez and her body is covered by a striped green-and-gold blanket. The overall mood of the piece is lighted-hearted and playful, which is often typical of Belle Époque Orientialist art. This is especially true given that the turban can be removed to reveal the figure’s hair, and the blanket removed to uncover her body.

The sculpture is of spelter, cold painted and parcel gilt. The colour palette is rich and saturated: the deep green of the blanket and the reds and purples of the divan and pillows combine with the parcel gilt and the bronze hues of the figure’s skin to produce a seductive work.

The work is signed 'L. Hottot' at the rear of the divan.