"the Departure From The Village" Bronze Statuette After Antonin Mercié (1841/1916)

Gilded bronze from the early 20th century, produced and edited by the SIOT PARIS foundry after the work of the sculptor Antonin Mercié which was presented at the Salon des Arts décoratifs in 1907, a marble copy was exhibited two years later. Symbolizing the rural exodus of the late 19th century, a young woman stands at the side of a road, modestly dressed, probably carrying some personal effects and showing a certain dismay. This statuette has kept its original patina and is in very good condition, the base bears a numbering and the stamp of the publisher Siot, signature A. Mercié. Antonin Mercié was born in Toulouse (1841/1916), he is a major figure in the world of sculpture in the second half of the 19th century, he leaves us a legacy of prestigious works, among the best known: Gloria Victis, David gagnant or Le Génie des arts (Grand fronton guichet du Louvre).