The Blacksmith, Cast After Mathurin Moreau, Val d'Osne, 19th Century

An iconic figure of French industrial sculpture, this life-size Blacksmith is based on a model by Mathurin Moreau (1822–1912), one of the most celebrated sculptors of the Second Empire, whose works adorned both grand world's fairs and bourgeois homes and prestigious gardens. The piece is listed in the official catalog of the Société Anonyme des Fonderies d'Art du Val d'Osne, Album No. 2 – Art Castings, 1900, Plate 599, Illustration 285. This precise bibliographic reference is a rare guarantee of authenticity and provenance for this type of work. The casting displays a beautiful black patina on the base, anvil, and hammer, while the figure is coated with a white wash—a feature that enhances the power of the modeling and the realism of the pose. A striking piece, ideal for an entrance hall, a covered outdoor space, a garden, or an interior with a strong character. Rare format in actual size.