Bronze Art Deco Nude Sculpture by S. Melani

An Art Deco era reclining nude bronze sculpture by Salvatore Melani , created at the end of his career which began in his early 20s and ended in 1934 at the age of 32. The serene and sensual pose is defined by  her beautiful features  which are expertly cast.

Mysteriously, she holds an unstrung bow in her uplifted arm. Typically this would be a way to show that the woman depicted was a warrior, or the goddess Diana...but the casual way  she brandishes the bow  makes her appear to be less of  a huntress and more like a "pinup" illustration of a later decade

Melani lived and worked in Italy, creating sculpture in several media: wood, plaster, spelter metal and, of course, bronze.