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French Figural Statue
About the Item
This extraordinary and monumental cast-iron sculpture was likely specially commissioned to the Fonderies d'Art du Val d'Osne for an important public or private collection. Designed by celebrated Parisian sculptor Mathurin Moreau, the striking work takes the form of a beautiful young maiden clad in classical robes with an amphora gracefully held aloft in one hand. The work displays a remarkable level of detail considering its iron casting, including a wreath of laurel leaves atop the woman's head and a stunning necklace adorning her neck.
Due to its large size and subject matter, the remarkable work would most probably have been exhibited in a public or private fountain, garden, estate or hotel. French cast-iron sculptures such as this one were historically preferred over bronze for outdoor decorations due to their resistance to more extreme weather conditions. Similar statues cast by Val d'Osne can be found decorating public buildings and parks worldwide, and particularly in the United States and France.
The design for this statue is reproduced in the catalog of the Fonderies du Val d'Osne as Jeune fille, No. 245, plate 595.
The base is mounted with a plaque reading "Fonderies du Val d'Osne / 58 BD Voltaire, Paris"
Measures: 24" wide x 14" deep x 70" high
Established in 1835 by the inventor of ornamental cast iron, Jean Pierre Victor André, the Fonderies d'Art du Val d'Osne were world renowned for their remarkable architectural designs and decorative cast iron works of art for nearly 150 years. Beginning in 1851, the firm participated in numerous international exhibitions, earning much critical acclaim throughout the years. Celebrated sculptors including Mathurin Moreau, Albert-Ernest Carrier-Belleuse, and James Pradier designed numerous works exclusively for the famed firm, cementing their place among the finest in the industry. While today the works of the Fonderies d'Art du Val d'Osne can be seen in important collections worldwide, the most visible pieces cast by the firm are the distinctive Art Nouveau Parisian subway entrances designed by Hector Guimard.
- Creator:Mathurin Moreau (Sculptor)
- Dimensions:Height: 70 in (177.8 cm)Width: 24 in (60.96 cm)Depth: 14 in (35.56 cm)
- Style:Classical Greek (In the Style Of)
- Materials and Techniques:
- Place of Origin:
- Period:
- Date of Manufacture:1816-1918
- Condition:
- Seller Location:New Orleans, LA
- Reference Number:
Mathurin Moreau
Mathurin Moreau was a renowned French sculptor born on November 18, 1822, in Dijon, France, into a family of artists. He was the son of sculptor Jean-Baptiste Moreau and the brother of sculptors Hippolyte and Auguste Moreau, thus part of a dynasty that significantly influenced French sculpture in the 19th century. Educated at the École des Beaux-Arts under the tutelage of Étienne-Jules Ramey and Augustin-Alexandre Dumont, Moreau went on to become a prominent figure in the French art scene. He was known for his exceptional skills in crafting bronze sculptures, which are among the most celebrated aspects of his artistic legacy. Moreau debuted at the Salon in 1848 and rapidly gained acclaim. His works often depicted allegorical figures, mythological scenes, and typical rural life, capturing both the idealistic beauty and the detailed realism that were hallmarks of the period's sculpture. Many of his bronzes were cast by the famous Val d'Osne foundry, which helped ensure the high quality of his pieces. The foundry was known for its superb craftsmanship and was one of the primary mediums for Moreau’s creations. Throughout his career, Mathurin Moreau received numerous awards, including a medal of honor at the Exposition Universelle in 1878. He was also made a Knight of the Legion of Honor in 1865 and rose to become an officer of the order in 1885. His artworks were not only celebrated in France but also internationally, as his bronzes found homes in diverse locations, from Parisian squares to foreign collections. Moreau's works are characterized by their classical style, attention to detail, and the expressive beauty of their subjects. Some of his notable bronze sculptures include allegorical representations such as "La Danse" and "L’Eau". These pieces exemplify his ability to translate ethereal themes into tangible beauty, making his sculptures highly sought after by collectors and museums worldwide. Mathurin Moreau passed away in 1912, leaving behind a rich legacy of artistic achievement that continues to be celebrated and revered in the art world today. His sculptures, especially his bronzes, remain valuable for their artistic and historical significance, often fetching high prices at auctions and retaining a place of prominence in collections of 19th-century French art.
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