Antonin Mercié – David Vainqueur – Large Bronze, Barbedienne, Paris, 73 Cm
Artist: Antonin Mercié (1845–1916)
An important and exceptionally beautiful French bronze depicting “David the Victor,” based on the famous model by Antonin Mercié (1845–1916), cast by the prestigious Ferdinand Barbedienne Foundry in Paris.
The composition depicts the young David after his victory over Goliath. In a pose that is both elegant and triumphant, he places one foot on the head of the defeated giant while raising Goliath’s sword above him. Here, Mercié combines the biblical narrative with an idealized representation of the male body, strongly inspired by the elegance of Renaissance sculpture.
The quality of the craftsmanship is remarkable. David’s slender physique is rendered with great finesse, while Goliath’s monumental head, the sword, the drapery, and the rich decoration of the circular base attest to particularly meticulous casting and chiseling.
The bronze bears the signature “A. MERCIÉ,” the foundry inscription “F. BARBEDIENNE, FONDEUR, PARIS,” the number 212, and the circular stamp “RÉDUCTION MÉCANIQUE – A. COLLAS – BREVETÉ.” The latter refers to the famous mechanical reduction process developed by Achille Collas and used by the Barbedienne foundry for the bronze casting of large sculptural models.
Antonin Mercié was one of the leading French sculptors of his generation. His *David Vainqueur*, created in the early 1870s, earned him significant recognition and became one of his most iconic works.
The beautiful warm brown patina admirably highlights the body’s contours and the richness of the numerous sculpted details.
A particularly decorative and sought-after work of 19th-century French sculpture, combining an iconic model by Antonin Mercié with the remarkable casting quality of the Barbedienne foundry.
Artist: Antonin Mercié (1845–1916)
Title: David the Victor
Foundry: Ferdinand Barbedienne, Paris
Markings: A. Mercié; F. Barbedienne, Foundry, Paris; No. 212; A. Collas reduction stamp
Material: Bronze with brown patina
Origin: France
Period: Late 19th century
Height: 73 cm
The composition depicts the young David after his victory over Goliath. In a pose that is both elegant and triumphant, he places one foot on the head of the defeated giant while raising Goliath’s sword above him. Here, Mercié combines the biblical narrative with an idealized representation of the male body, strongly inspired by the elegance of Renaissance sculpture.
The quality of the craftsmanship is remarkable. David’s slender physique is rendered with great finesse, while Goliath’s monumental head, the sword, the drapery, and the rich decoration of the circular base attest to particularly meticulous casting and chiseling.
The bronze bears the signature “A. MERCIÉ,” the foundry inscription “F. BARBEDIENNE, FONDEUR, PARIS,” the number 212, and the circular stamp “RÉDUCTION MÉCANIQUE – A. COLLAS – BREVETÉ.” The latter refers to the famous mechanical reduction process developed by Achille Collas and used by the Barbedienne foundry for the bronze casting of large sculptural models.
Antonin Mercié was one of the leading French sculptors of his generation. His *David Vainqueur*, created in the early 1870s, earned him significant recognition and became one of his most iconic works.
The beautiful warm brown patina admirably highlights the body’s contours and the richness of the numerous sculpted details.
A particularly decorative and sought-after work of 19th-century French sculpture, combining an iconic model by Antonin Mercié with the remarkable casting quality of the Barbedienne foundry.
Artist: Antonin Mercié (1845–1916)
Title: David the Victor
Foundry: Ferdinand Barbedienne, Paris
Markings: A. Mercié; F. Barbedienne, Foundry, Paris; No. 212; A. Collas reduction stamp
Material: Bronze with brown patina
Origin: France
Period: Late 19th century
Height: 73 cm
3 800 €
Period: 19th century
Style: Art Nouveau
Condition: Excellent condition
Material: Bronze
Length: 73
Reference (ID): 1810962
Availability: In stock
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