Bronze -louis d'Orléans - Emmanuel Fremiet (1824-1910)

Emmanuel Frémiet (1824-1910)
Louis d'Orléans on horseback


Gilded bronze, signed, numbered 305

Commissioned in 1869 by the French State from Emmanuel Frémiet to form part of the monumental program of historical figures from the Middle Ages, this equestrian composition represents Louis d'Orléans, brother of Charles VI. Initially planned in polychrome stone, only the bronze version was finally realized. Cast by Thiébaut, the work was presented at the Salon of 1870, then installed in 1875 at the Château de Pierrefonds on the recommendation of Viollet-le-Duc (inv. 4136).

The copy on display stands out for the exceptional quality of its presentation. Whereas known prints usually rest on a strict, functional rectangular green marble base, this one is enhanced by a substantial neoclassical-style doucine marble base. Its molded profile, more architectural and refined, lends the whole a heightened verticality and monumental presence, magnifying the rider's silhouette. The bronze group is removable from its base.

Louis d'Orléans (1372-1407), Duke of Touraine then Duke of Orléans, was a major figure at the court of Charles VI and the patron of the Château de Pierrefonds. His depiction by Frémiet is part of the great 19th-century movement to rediscover the Middle Ages, fueled by Viollet-le-Duc and the historicist aesthetics of the Second Empire.

Emmanuel Frémiet, nephew of Rude and Barye's successor at the Muséum, was one of the most sought-after animal and historical sculptors of his time. His Louis d'Orléans ranks among the pinnacles of 19th-century French equestrian statuary.

The rider is depicted in armor, in an attitude of controlled dignity. Frémiet deploys great finesse of execution here in the treatment of armament, harnessing and ornamentation, particularly the fleurs-de-lis, emblems of the French monarchy.

The gilding, still luminous, accentuates the richness of the volumes and lends the ensemble a precious dimension. The combination of gilded bronze and polychrome-veined marble creates a subtle contrast between sculptural power and decorative refinement.
On a neoclassical marble doucine base.

Bronze in very good condition, homogeneous and luminous gilding. Visible and consistent wear on the spear and helmet, attesting to its age. Marble base with a beautiful veining movement and high quality of presentation.

Similar model reproduced in:
Emmanuel Frémiet - La main et le multiple, Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon et de Grenoble, 1988, p. 122, n° S.237.

Total height with spear: 85 cm
Sculpture height excluding base: 48 cm
Height marble base: 6.5 cm
Length : 41 cm
Width : 21 cm