Important "surprise" Bronze Sculpture, Signed By Hippolyte Moreau – Second Half Of The 19th Century

In this large bronze sculpture with a brown patina titled “Surprise,” Hippolyte Moreau captures a moment of emotion, in which two young girls freeze in the presence of a tiny intruder: a lizard that, emerging from the edge of the base, provokes in them a mixture of fear, astonishment, and restrained movement. The artist, a master at telling a story through a single gesture, transforms this ordinary scene into a living tableau, vibrant with spontaneity.
The older of the two, standing slightly forward, embodies a protective reaction: her body leans forward, her arm extends as if to reassure her younger sister. Her delicately sculpted face expresses that hesitation between curiosity and apprehension. At her side, the younger girl presses herself against her, clutching her clothing in an instinctive, almost childlike gesture that conveys the scene’s freshness.
The lizard, tiny yet pivotal, becomes the narrative focal point of the composition. Moreau places it at their feet, advancing with indifferent calm, contrasting with the agitation of the two young girls. This detail, sculpted with surprising precision, gives full meaning to the title: surprise, immediate emotion, and a vivid, sincere reaction.
The terrace, rendered in a naturalistic style, evokes a small corner of nature where leaves, grasses, and the unevenness of the ground reinforce the impression of a scene captured in the moment. The warm patina of the bronze, playing with the light, accentuates the volumes, the folds of the fabrics, and the delicate expressions, giving the whole a nearly narrative presence.
The base features a cartouche on the front reading “Surprise by Hte Moreau Medal at the Salon” and the artist’s signature “Hip. Moreau” on the terrace.
With this work, Moreau captures not only a moment but a sensation: that of childhood confronted with the unexpected, somewhere between mild fear and wonder. A simple scene, yet made unforgettable by the delicacy of the gesture and the poetry of the gaze.

Hippolyte Moreau(1832–1927) was a French sculptor from the famous Moreau family of Dijon, a dynasty that left its mark on 19th-century decorative sculpture. A student of his father, Jean-Baptiste Moreau, and later of the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris, he specialized in genre scenes, child figures, and allegories full of tenderness—hallmarks of his style.
He exhibited regularly at the Salon beginning in 1859 and collaborated with the major Parisian foundries, ensuring wide distribution of his works. His bronzes, prized for their grace, sensitivity, and meticulous finish, remain highly sought after today.

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Period: Second half of the 19th century

Very good condition
Shipping available upon request in France and internationally.

Dimensions:

Height: 60 cm
Width: 23 cm
Depth: 23 cm

Weight: 17.4 kg

Reference: 635V