Cast Iron Sculpture From The “jj Ducel” Foundry

This cast iron sculpture, produced by the J.-J. Ducel foundry in the 19th century, depicts the shepherd Paris holding the golden apple, a reference to the mythological episode of the Judgment of Paris. Inspired by an original marble model by the sculptor Nicolas François Gillet (1709–1791), the work portrays the young hero in an elegant and meditative pose. The pastoral attributes—notably the animal at his side and the naturalistic treatment of the rock and drapery—recall his status as a shepherd, before his choice sparked the famous rivalry between Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. The refined modeling, the attention to detail, and the quality of the casting testify to the expertise of the great 19th-century art foundries, which successfully disseminated and adapted 18th-century neoclassical models. Dimensions: Height: 82 cm Width: 33 cm Depth: 32 cm