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‘Gloria Victis’, A Patinated Bronze Figural Group by Mercié, Cast by Barbedienne

Name: ‘Gloria Victis’, A Patinated Bronze Figural Group by Mercié, Cast by Barbedienne
Brand: Marius Jean Antonin Mercié
Rating: 4.8 (55 reviews)

$32,887.02List Price

About the Item

(MERCIÉ) MARIUS JEAN ANTONIN (1845-1916) “MULTIPLE” “GLORIA VICTIS” – Molded, relief and patinated bronze sculpture of great gesturalism and detail, French work from the 19/20th century. Sculpture [GLORIA], representing a female figure standing on her left foot in a perfect figure with wings open in a position to take flight, holding with both hands a dying and naked warrior with her left arm stretched out and her right arm flexed, holding a broken saber in his hand. Sculpture resting on a circular repoussé base with frontal inscription [GLORIA VICTIS]. Signed sculpture on the top of the base [A. Mercié] and on the back of the base with the foundry's stamp, flanked by the following inscription “Reduction Mecanique - A. Gollas - 750 - F. Barbedienne, Fondeur, Paris”. Sculpture note: The sculpture “GLORIA VICTIS” is on display in the entrance hall of the Petit Palais Museum, in Paris. She represents a Glory, winged and armored, carrying a young dying warrior towards Fame (Renommée) and Immortality. Balancing on the tip of one foot, the allegorical figure extends its wings and is ready to launch its flight. The title that the sculptor Antonin Mercié (1845-1916) gave to his work is intriguing: "GLORIA VICTIS" (Glory to the Vanquished), as it is an inversion of the famous phrase "VAE VICTIS" (Woe to the Vanquished), which the Gallic general Brennus, in 387 BC, was said to have said against the Romans he had just defeated. Created in 1872, a year after the defeat of French soldiers against the Prussian army, the statue personifies the defeated but heroic France: vulnerable in its nakedness , head bowed, eyes half-closed, arms outstretched, the soldier of Freedom, hero without glory, evokes Christ's descent from the cross. The soldier's defeat is symbolized in the band around his forehead and the broken-bladed saber in his hand. In tribute to his friend and painter Henri Regnault (1843-1871), killed in combat against the Prussians in 1871, the sculptor Antonin, portrayed the dead soldier, with his image. The original plaster sculpture was executed in 1872, in the Villa Medici (Rome) and when exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1874, it was a great success and won a medal of honor. Acquired by the City of Paris, it was cast in bronze in 1875. It entered the collections of the Petit Palais in 1930. The original sculpture is 2.20 meters high and was reproduced in several copies. It served as a source of inspiration for several artists to create commemorative and patriotic monuments after the War of 1870. Sculptor's Note: Marius Jean Antonin Mercié was a French painter and sculptor born in Toulouse. He studied at the School of Fine Arts in Paris and in 1868 won the “Grand Prix de Rome”. Of his vast works, the best known was "David", a bronze sculpture that showed the biblical hero naked, brandishing a sword and with the head of Goliath at his feet. He was a disciple of Alexandre Falguière and François Jouffroy. His first major works were "David" and "Gloria Victis", presented at the Paris Salon of 1872, where he received the medal of honor. In 1891, he was given the position of professor of Drawing and Sculpture at the School of Fine Arts and was elected member of the French Academy, having subsequently been awarded the rank of grand officer of the order of the Legion of Honor. In 1913 he became President of the Society of French Artists. Founder's Note: Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810-1892) was a French metallurgist and manufacturer, known as the Founder of Bronze. Son of a small farmer from Calvados, he began his career as a wallpaper dealer in Paris. In 1838, he formed a partnership with Achille Collas (1795-1859), who had just invented a machine for creating miniature replicas of bronze statues. Together, they started a business selling miniatures of ancient statues from museums across Europe, thus democratizing art and making it more accessible to families. From 1843 onwards they expanded their business, reproducing works by living artists and also diversified by making enamelled household objects. With the outbreak of the Franco-Prussian War in 1870, the company had to switch to cannon casting due to a shortage of metals, but resumed business later. After Barbedienne's death in 1892, the company was managed by his nephew Gustave Leblanc until 1952. Among the main artists reproduced by the firm were Antoine Louis Barye and Auguste Rodin. Height: 107.5 cm

Creator:
Marius Jean Antonin Mercié (Artist)
Dimensions:
Height: 42.33 in (107.5 cm)Diameter: 16.54 in (42 cm)
Style:
Art Deco (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Bronze,Hand-Crafted
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
1880/1910
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. very good condition.
Seller Location:
Madrid, ES
Reference Number:
1stDibs: LU5779237285432

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