Théodore Rivière (1857-1912) - “salammbô Et Matho” Or “carthage”

Edition sculpture in bronze with a strongly nuanced brown patina Sand cast by Susse Frères around 1895 Signed “Théodore RIVIERE” Located “Carthage” and dated 1982 Dimensions: Height: 41.5 cm Length: 23 cm – Depth: 18 cm Bibliography: The subject of the work is taken from Gustave Flaubert's novel, Salammbô, published in 1862. The story takes place between 241 and 238 BC, during the war waged by Carthage against its rebellious mercenaries. The Libyan Mâthô, leader of the barbarian soldiers, is in love with Salammbô, the daughter of his Carthaginian enemy Hamilcar Barca. Rivière chose the moment when, massacred by the people, Mâthô expires at the beauty's feet, crying: “I love you! I love you ! ". The femme fatale character of Salammbô inspired many other symbolist artists. This statuette caused a sensation at the Salon of 1895. It was produced in numerous copies in bronze and bisque, that is to say in white and matte porcelain. Albert Thomas wrote in “L’Art Decoratif”: “Perhaps never before had sculpture expressed such a thing, said so powerfully the sensual fury, the warmth of young blood and a vigorous body” Similar model reproduced in the work of Stéphane Richemond, “The Orientalists, dictionary of 19th-20th century sculptors” published by Editions de l'Amateur page 186-187 Paris-Manaus Gallery