"pro Patria", Large Sculpture By Hippolyte Moreau (1832-1927) / Cuirassier Second Empire

Important regula sculpture with bronze patina signed on the base "Hip Moreau" for Hippolyte Moreau (1832-1927) and titled on the marble base "Pro Patria" (For the Fatherland).
End of the 19th century or the beginning of the 20th.

In this allegory of sacrifice, we see a dying French cuirassier who finds the strength, in a final patriotic surge, to defend the national flag during a battle of the Franco-German War of 1870.

Beautiful, finely crafted artwork with faithful uniformological details (notably the model of the helmet and the saber).

Furthermore, the sculpture is mobile and can rotate on its marble base, allowing it to be easily admired from all sides.

Very good overall condition with a beautiful patina. Very slight wear of time. A small crack on the base and a small repair at the top of the flagpole -- trace of welding on the backside (see photos).

Born into a family of sculptors, Hippolyte Moreau exhibited at the "Salon des artistes français" from 1863 to 1914. His works were awarded prizes at the Universal Exhibitions of 1878 and 1900. He is also the author of one of the statues on the facade of the Hôtel de Ville in Paris - more precisely that of the mathematician Alexis Claude Clairaut. Most of his works are kept at the Musée des Beaux-Arts in Dijon where he was born.
Dimensions:
Total height with marble base: 81 cm
Height of the subject alone: 73 cm
Width: 33 cm