France, 19th to early 20th century. A finely carved ivory figure of a nude woman, identified as Aphrodite, balanced on one foot with the other leg drawn up as she reaches down, perhaps to fasten or remove a sandal. The pose recalls the classical ‘Aphrodite adjusting her sandal’ type, known from Hellenistic bronzes and endlessly revived in European decorative sculpture.

The slender proportions and smooth, polished finish are typical of French and Dieppe ivory carving for the luxury market, and the figure stands on a turned ivory column with moulded base. A decorative cabinet piece from the Waddington source.