Pair of Mathurin Moreau Renaissance Bronze Sculpture Busts

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Pair of Mathurin Moreau Renaissance Bronze Sculpture Busts

About the Item

A powerful pair of Renaissance era figures modeled after the cast by Mathurin Moreau, the busts appear to represent Marie de Médici, Queen of France from 1600-1610, and Mary Queen of Scots, Queen consort of France from 1559-1560. There has also been some attribution of the second bust to Queen Elizabeth I, as expounded on in the pair of full length sculptures by Mathurin Moreau (French, 1822-1912) offered at Christies (Sale No. 1514, March 6th, 2014, lot 19, 40” H, cast by Lemaire) and formerly offered at Bonhams under the Queen Elizabeth I attribution. The casting work is of exquisite quality, both sculptures signed in large print “Ate. Lemaire” along the socle. Auguste Lemaire opened his workshop in 1851 in the Marais district at 10 rue Saintonge, Paris. His work was presented at the 1855 Universal Exhibition in Paris where he achieved the second class medal, the same year he was awarded membership in the Réunion des Fabricants. In the present pair of busts, the chiseling and finishing work is of the finest quality, each hair perfectly outlined and every aspect of highly complex garments and accessories flawlessly executed. Each is finished in a deep brown acid patina, the original patina in a remarkable state of preservation. Beneath the left proper shoulder of each figure is the crisp signature of “M. Moreau Sculp” in the cast. An inordinately fine and most striking pair of sculpture. Literature: Bronzes of the 19th century: Dictionary of sculptors, Kjellberg, 1994, p. 511-18. Art Bronzes, forrest, 1988, p. 61 (Busts of Renaissance Queens). Bronzes: Sculptors and founders 1800-1930, Berman - a collective of 44 Mathurin Moreau sculptures in the four volumes, present example not depicted. E. Benezit dictionary of artists, gründ, 2006, p. 1285-86. Measurements: [Marie de Médici] 17 7/8” H x 10 3/4” W x 7” D; [Mary Queen of Scots] 17 5/16” H x 11 3/4” W x 6 1/4” D. Condition Report: Some minor joint looseness (at neck of Mary Queen of Scots, at socle on Marie de Médici). Marie de Médici missing earrings. Very minor handling wear to patina, overall both with surfaces in outstanding original condition. We have a total of 80 images of this pair of sculpture available upon request.

Creator:
Mathurin Moreau (Sculptor),Auguste le Maire (Metalworker)
Dimensions:
Height: 17.88 in (45.42 cm)Width: 11.75 in (29.85 cm)Depth: 7 in (17.78 cm)
Sold As:
Set of 2
Style:
Romantic (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Bronze,Patinated
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
Late 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1870
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Minor losses. Missing earrings on one figure. Minor looseness in joint of socle and neck. Fine original patina with minor handling wear.
Seller Location:
Shippensburg, PA
Reference Number:
Seller: C1026051stDibs: LU105905197313

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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.