A French bronze model of an old woman

A French bronze model of an old woman, in 18th century style, late 19th century, the seated woman portrayed grinning and wearing a bonnet and cloak, a cat peeking out from underneath her skirt, on an octagonal ebonised plinth, 38cm high, 24cm wide

The present model is sometimes accompanied by a pendant of a seated male hurdy-gurdy player. The pair is often considered to be inspired by the street vendors that appear in the 'Cries of Paris', a popular subject for engravings during the 18th century as well as other art forms, such as Meissen figurines.