Eugène Blot (1830-1899) Terracotta Depicting A Fish Market Scene

Eugène Blot (1830-1899) Terracotta depicting a maritime subject / human group Late 19th century An important example of the work of Eugène Blot, a French sculptor based in Boulogne-sur-Mer, specializing in small terracotta statuettes and groups illustrating the world of ports: fishermen, fisherwomen, sailors, local types. Blot worked without metal armatures, precisely controlling the moisture content of his clay and the firing temperature (950°C) to achieve finesse, hardness, and realism. His humanist approach, close to Social Realism, foreshadows the works of Jules Dalou or Constantin Meunier, while remaining within the tradition of "local types" and port scenes of Northern France. Very good condition. Signed piece (if signature present) or attributed — ideal for a collector of 19th-century animal and maritime sculpture.