Large Bronze Of Napoleon Bonaparte, By Colombo, Paris World Fair Of 1889 / Empire

Important and splendid bronze bust of Napoleon I, signed "R. Colombo" (for Renzo Colombo), dated 1885 and stamped with the seal of the Paris World's Fair in 1889 where it received the silver medal.
It is presented with the symbol of the French Empire: an imperial eagle with outstretched wings holding thunderbolts in its talons. Superb brown patina.
Edition from the last quarter of the 19th century.
Excellent overall condition.
Powerful and determined expression of the emperor.
The sculpture presented here is the most luxurious version offered at the time. Indeed, this bust was sold in several sizes -- the largest was, as here, 57 centimeters high. In addition, the imperial eagle and its terrace were optional.
Dimensions:
Height of the bronze bust: 57 cm
Width of the bust: 36 cm
Depth of the bust: 28 cm
Weight approximately 25 kg
Born in Milan in 1856 Renzo Colombo studied sculpture at the Brera School of Fine Arts before continuing his studies in Florence in 1878 and then in Genoa. Finally, he settled in Paris in the early 1880s and exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1883, 1884 and 1885. He became artistic director of the Musée Grévin in Paris in 1884 and died in 1885.
Reference in the specialized literature:
• Les Bronzes du XIXe Siècle: Dictionnaire des Sculpteurs, Pierre Kjellberg, 1994, p. 220 Renzo Colombo.