The spelling appears to point to French affété: affected, mannered, or over-refined.
The spelling appears to point to French affété: affected, mannered, or over-refined. Applied critically to sculpture, it describes elegance or delicacy that feels self-conscious, artificial, or excessively studied rather than natural and structurally convincing.
Sculptor Notes
Editorial note: The likely intended French adjective is affété (affected, mannered). Consider confirming the headword before publication.