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Monumental Emile Louis Picault Signed Egyptian Revival Pharaoh Sculptures, Pair

About the Item

A spectacular matched pair of large and extremely rare Emile Louis Picault cold painted bronze sculptures from the late 19th century. Exquisitely handcrafted in France, circa 1890, stunning polychrome decorated, completely original, each signe "Picault" This extraordinary antique pair of bronze figures is by famed French sculptor Émile-Louis Picault. Picault's Egyptian-influenced works such as this are among his most desirable and highly sought after. The Egyptian Pharaohs strike a regal pose in this extraordinary pair of bronze figures by famed French sculptor Émile-Louis Picault, one of the most celebrated Orientalist sculptors of the 19th century. Renowned for his magnificent work celebrating allegorical, mythological and patriotic subjects, Picault's Egyptian-influenced works such as the present group are among his most desirable, bringing upwards of $114,000 at auction. This extraordinary pair embodies the high level of detail and elaborate design for which Picault's work is so chairished. Stoically standing on an column base, proudly displaying his nemes with uraeus, not a crown in itself, but worn to symbolizes the pharaoh's power, with a stylized, upright form of an Egyptian cobra, used as a symbol of sovereignty, royalty,deity and divine authority in ancient Egypt. Ready for battle, clutching a sword in his right hand, raised shield in his left. Joined by another Pharaoh or more likely the Great Royal Wife stands on a column base, her poise expressing both dignity and grace, confidently exhibiting the Vulture Crown, adorned with gold and consisting of a falcon feather headdress with the falcons head protruding out, styled similarly to the cobra, and its wings spread across her head, a symbolic act of protection from the goddess Nekhbet. The beautifully modeled figures exemplify the formidable beauty of Egyptian royalty. His luxuriously opulent solid gold roaring lion necklace and elaborate jewelry and headress, her magnificently decorated garments that are both erotic form-fitting and elegantly drape her voluptuous figure, while a traditional headdress adorned by a large blue bird rests atop her head. The man and woman, whose stances evoke the drama of ancient Egypt and the culture’s social hierarchy. Their intricately detailed costumes, from the ornate headdresses and complicated pleats to the jewelry and accessories, echo the contemporary romantic ideals of the Belle Époque and the obsession with Egyptian art and artifacts. Émile-Louis Picault was a student of Louis Royer, and exhibited at the Paris Salon from 1860 to 1909. His Egyptian figures are among his most popular works and follow in the tradition of ethnographic decorative sculpture in France during the late 19th century, as well as the fashion for Egyptian subjects that followed Napoleon’s historic campaigns in the Nile delta. When the craze over Egypt made its way to New York circa 1870, its influence had already made its way into home decor, and Picault’s work was at the forefront of this movement. When Tiffany's opened their store in Union Square, they incorporated Orientalist sculpture and design into their style, and featured items such as Picault's Egyptian bronzes on their showroom floor. As a result, many of the most modern homes were filled with these exotic wares. Provenance: A private estate; authentication and purchase through Heritage Auction, Design District, Dallas, Texas. Dimensions: (approx) Male: 43" High, 20" Wide, 15" Deep Female: 42.5" High, 17" Wide, 13" Deep Condition Report: Excellent condition. Original, antique condition. May have very minor wear commensurate with age.
  • Creator:
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 43 in (109.22 cm)Width: 20 in (50.8 cm)Depth: 15 in (38.1 cm)
  • Sold As:
    Set of 2
  • Style:
    Egyptian Revival (In the Style Of)
  • Materials and Techniques:
    Bronze,Cold-Painted
  • Place of Origin:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    circa 1890
  • Condition:
    Wear consistent with age and use. Excellent condition. Original, antique condition. May have very minor wear commensurate with age.
  • Seller Location:
    Forney, TX
  • Reference Number:
    1stDibs: LU5977226088382

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