Bidspirit auction | Advertising sculpture for a tobacconist's

Advertising sculpture for a tobacconist's shop with a figure smoking a pipe, France, 19th century - Carved and polychromed wood. Dimensions: 124 × 70 × 34 cm. Magnificent polychromed wooden sculpture used as an advertising figure for a tobacco shop in the 19th century. It depicts a man smoking a pipe, a very popular motif at the time, intended to attract passersby. These sculptures, known as cigar store figures, were placed in front of shops as a symbol of hospitality and a sign of commercial identity. Provenance: private collection. Lot in international warehouse (within the EU). Intra-EU shipping: no import duties apply within the EU. An export permit from the country of origin may be required.