Important Bronze Sculpture "the Florentine Singer" Signed P. Dubois – 1865

Elegant and vibrant with life, this bronze sculpture with a brown patina, signed "P. Dubois, 1865," embodies all the expertise of 19th-century French craftsmanship. The young musician, posed in a supple and natural posture, suggests the gentle movement of the melody he plays. The finesse of the modeling, the precision of the drapery, and the expressiveness of the singing face testify to the exceptional talent of Paul Dubois, a master of academic and poetic sculpture. Produced by the prestigious F. Barbedienne foundry, this bronze bears the foundry mark as well as the inscription "Reduction Mécanique A. Collas Breveté," guaranteeing a faithful and meticulous reproduction of the original model. The quality of the casting, the depth of the patina, and the delicacy of the details—from the curls of hair to the mandolin strings—make this a rare collector's item, sought after by lovers of French sculpture. As much a decorative piece as a historical one, this Mandolin Player brings a warm and refined presence to any interior. It appeals to discerning collectors as well as lovers of Romantic art, sensitive to the poetry of gestures and the virtuosity of the great 19th-century founders. Paul Dubois (1829–1905) was a major 19th-century French sculptor, admired for the classical elegance and refined sensibility of his work. Trained at the École des Beaux-Arts and then deeply influenced by a stay in Rome, he developed a style inspired by the Florentine Renaissance, combining naturalism and purity of line. Revealed at the Salon with The Florentine Singer in 1865, he became an institutional figure, notably as director of the École des Beaux-Arts. His work, characterized by its exquisite modeling, is among the essential references of French sculpture.********Period: Second half of the 19th century. Very good condition. Shipping available upon request in France and internationally. Dimensions: Width: 25 cm, Depth: 17 cm, Height: 62 cm. Reference 532V