Antonin Mercié, David, Bronze Sculpture, Barbedienne Edition, 19th Century

Patinated bronze sculpture depicting the victorious David, with a determined expression and his foot placed on Goliath's head, preparing to sheath his yatagan. The handle of the yatagan, the scabbard and the base bear oriental motifs. His sinuous posture is reminiscent of Donatello's David.

Signed “A. MERCIÉ” on the base and “F. BARBEDIENNE”. “FONDEUR” at the bottom of the base.

Antonin Mercié (1845-1916) was a French sculptor trained at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, where he was a student of François Jouffroy and Alexandre Falguière. Winner of the Prix de Rome in 1868, it was during his stay in the Eternal City, at the Académie de France, that he created the plaster model of his David the following year. Sent to Paris, the latter caused a sensation and earned him the Legion of Honor. It was so successful that a bronze version was commissioned by the State and exhibited at the Salon in 1872. Barbedienne subsequently produced it in a small format, in six different sizes, thus allowing for a wide distribution given the enthusiasm generated by the model. The political and historical context contributed to this triumph, David symbolizing the hopes of a possible future revenge of France on Prussia. A life-size bronze version is now preserved at the Musée d'Orsay. In addition to his David, Mercié is also known for the sculpted group “Gloria Victis”, now exhibited at the Petit Palais, the sculpture representing “The Genius of the Arts” located on the facade of the Palais du Louvre and various monuments in Paris and the provinces.

Good condition.
From the 19th century.

Dimensions:
H: 61 cm
W: 28 cm
D: 20 cm
D (base): 15 cm