The patinated bronze sculptures depict a full-length male and female figure. The woman wears a loose gown with a rope belt and a headscarf. She lowers her eyes to the ground and carries a water urn in one hand. The man’s head and shoulders are covered by a flowing headdress which he gathers together in his right hand. A pistol and sabre are tucked into the man's belt, and he carries a rifle strapped on his back. The man is bearded and he scowls as he gazes out at the viewer. The figures stand on bases which are signed ‘SALMSON’. These are set on circular stepped siena marble plinths.

These sculptures were created by the prestigious sculptor, Jean Jules Salmson (French, 1823-1902). Salmson was a well-respected artist who exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon from 1859. He is best-remembered for his Orientalist sculptures but he also created various public monuments—at L’Opera and les Tuileries, for instance—and statues of important historical figures, such as Shakespeare. These two models, depicting ‘La Porteuse’ (a water-carrier) and ‘Le Guerrier Arabe’ (an Arab warrior), are among his most famous works. The male figure was modelled in 1875 and the female in 1880.

Male figure: Height 67cm, diameter 23cm
Female figure: Height 61cm, diameter 23cm