AUGUSTE PUTTEMANS (1866 - 1922)

Auguste PUTTEMANS (1866 - 1922) Isis, goddess of life bronze sculpture with brown patina. Inscribed on the base: Je suis ce qui a été et ce qui sera. No mortal has yet lifted the veil that covers me". Signed on the terrace and foundry stamp on the back "Fonderie Nationale des bronzes Ancienne Firme J. Petermann St Gilles Bruxelles". 59,5 cm X 29 cm X 37,5 cm Note: A totally symbolic work, the goddess Isis-Nature is the supreme deity of Freemason circles. In this representation, Isis is veiled, recalling the mystery of life. In her left hand, she holds the Ânkh cross, symbol of life, and her index finger points downwards, recalling the human condition. Her right hand holds a three-flame incense burner, symbols of the past, present and future. The many details recall the aesthetics of ancient Egypt, symbolizing the cosmic and earthly powers of the gods Amun and Horus. This work by Auguste Puttemans was chosen in 1922 as a thank-you gift to Herbert Hoover, who founded the Commission for Relief in Belgium. The purpose of this commission was to supply food to Belgium during the First World War, which was then occupied by the German Empire. To the best of our knowledge, this sculpture is the only bronze proof to have been cast in reduction as a presentation to the Belgian committee assembled for the occasion. The sculpture, presented to the Americans in 1922, has stood since 1939 in front of Herbert Hoover's home in West Branch, Iowa. A different version of the veiled Isis was created by Auguste Puttemans, and presented at the 'Egypt. Eternelle passion' at the Musée Royal de Mariemont (24/09/22 - 16/04/23).