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19thc fine quality French bronze 'David Vanqueur'

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A large late 19th century fine quality French bronze 'David Vanqueur' by Antonin Mercie, cast by the famous French foundry Barbedienne circa 1890.

This figure also known as 'David with the head of Goliath' portrays the young David, calmly victorious, lifting the large sword of Goliath into it's sheath with one foot resting on the severed head of Goliath, the handsome form of David being in stark contrast with the bearded and unkept head of Goliath.

Antonin Mercie originally sculpted this figure as a nude and the figure won him various awards and prizes some whilst still studying at The French Academy in Rome. Mercie enjoyed a long and succesful career undertaking many commissions and became a very famous sculptor, he was regarded as one of the finest sculptors of the 19th century and his figure of David one of his best.

The original sculpture was life size, being 185cm in height for the 1872 Salon and this can be found in the Musee D'Orsay in Paris, France.

This work is one of the most famous sculptures cast by F. Barbedienne and was cast in various sizes, this one being one of the largest, Barbedienne decided to produce their casting clothed with David wearing a loin cloth. This bronze is a reduction cast by the famous Parisian foundry and bears their signature and also the Collas reduction stamp.

The Barbedienne foundry was set up in 1838 by Ferdinand Barbedienne and Achille Collas, Collas invented a machine to create smaller bronze figures from statues of Greek & Roman origin in particular. This foundry produced many fine pieces over the years and worked closely with many artists, two of the most famous being Barye and Rodin.

This bronze is in excellent condition with a good patina and can go straight into a home or collection.

Details of this bronze can be found in the book 'Bronzes: Sculptors & Founders' Vol I 1800-1930, pages 157 & 159.

Height: 94.5cm

Width: 43cm

Depth: 34cm LVS Decorative Arts is a family run business specialising in an eclectic mix of fine quality and decorative antiques from around the world.

Being members of LAPADA, the largest association for professional art and antiques dealers in the UK, we are committed in upholding the highest of standards.

All furniture is professionally restored to the highest of standards, using traditional methods by cabinet makers and polishers with a wealth of experience keeping the item in as original condition as possible and conserving original patina (colour) and materials whenever possible - we feel that quality restoration is paramount to the longevity of the piece.

Please bear in mind antique items for sale may have some wear and marks commensurate with their age which adds to the character of the piece.

INSURED DELIVERY INCLUDED IN LIST PRICE WITHIN MAINLAND UK

Worldwide shipping available, please contact us for a free quote to include professional packing and fully insured services

Please note viewing is 'By Appointment' only - please contact Liza a few days in advance to arrange

Payments are accepted by bank transfer or cheque

Please contact us if any further high definition photographs are required or please visit our own website as follows where you can zoom in on the photos

Please note antique items for sale may have some wear and marks commensurate with their age which adds to the character of the piece.

Please contact Liza either by email lvsdecorativearts@btinternet.com or telephone 07703306451

Thank you and we hope you find our stock interesting. PriceSold Date 1890 Early 19th Century Antiques Material Bronze Origin French Item code as304a637 / LVS772 Status Sold

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19thc fine quality French bronze 'David Vanqueur'

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