Paul Dubois - Civil Courage Or Meditation - Barbedienne Bronze

This sculpture, titled Civil Courage or Meditation, is one of the four corner figures of the cenotaph of General de Lamoricière (1806-1865), inaugurated in 1879 in the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul in Nantes.

At the four corners of the monument, the bronze statues embody essential virtues associated with the memory of the deceased. The theological virtues represented are Faith and Charity, while the cardinal virtues are Civil Courage and Military Courage. Unlike the rest of the cenotaph, designed by Moisseron, these sculptures are the work of sculptor Paul Dubois.

Civil Courage is represented by an old man absorbed in meditation and study, thus embodying Wisdom. The expression of his face, his contemplative attitude, and the meticulous treatment of the drapery are in keeping with the great tradition of Italian statuary, recalling in particular the Florentine masters and Michelangelo. Paul Dubois was also considered in his time as one of the figures of the "Neo-Florentine" sculptors movement of the 19th century.

Large bronze with medal patina.
Inscription "P. Dubois" on the side and "F. Barbedienne, Fondeur Paris", on the terrace.
Stamp "Réduction Collas" Barbedienne
Very good general condition.