émile-louis Picault (1833–1922) — *la Mareyeuse* Large Bronze Sculpture With A Brown Patina — 82 Cm

Significant bronze with a brown patina — 82 cm

We are pleased to present this remarkable “Mareyeuse” by Émile-Louis Picault, a large bronze sculpture 82 cm tall, remarkable both for its scale and the richness of its craftsmanship.

An iconic figure in French sculpture of the second half of the 19th century, Émile-Louis Picault produced a prolific body of work that encompasses historical, allegorical, and mythological subjects as well as character studies. A renowned sculptor and medalist who exhibited at the Salon beginning in 1863, he is particularly admired for the precision of his modeling and the virtuosity with which he brings his characters to life.

With La Mareyeuse, Picault focuses on a popular and picturesque figure from the maritime world. The young woman, depicted in motion, strides forward with a determined step, her body slightly bent with effort, carrying at her side an imposing basket filled with fish while an anchor accompanies her silhouette.

The entire composition is carried by this remarkable sense of movement. The drape of her clothing, the skirt lifted as she walks, the apron, the ribbons, and her hair are rendered with great finesse. The sculptor plays with the full and hollow areas so that the light successively catches every detail.

The particularly meticulous chiseling reveals all of Picault’s virtuosity: the rendering of the fabrics, the delicacy of the accessories, the fish arranged in the basket, and the plant and rock elements on the terrace all attest to extremely precise work, without ever detracting from the figure’s overall dynamism.

The deep, warm brown patina, admirably preserved, highlights the volumes and further accentuates the bronze’s lifelike quality. The lighter highlights on the reliefs make the surface shimmer and give the sculpture a remarkable presence.

The sculpture, measuring approximately 82 cm, is one of the large-scale works by La Mareyeuse. It is particularly well-known for its pairing with Le Pêcheur, forming a remarkable pair dedicated to seafaring professions.

Our example is presented on an elegant, rotating circular pedestal, allowing viewers to appreciate the richness of the modeling and the magnificent sweep of the composition from every angle.

More than a simple genre depiction, this work reflects the 19th-century taste for elevating figures from everyday life to the status of true sculptural subjects. Picault combines realistic detail, academic elegance, and movement, endowing this young woman with a particularly powerful presence.

With its monumental scale, the quality of its casting, the finesse of its chiseling, and the depth of its patina, this *Mareyeuse* is a particularly captivating piece for any lover of 19th-century French sculpture.

A work that possesses that rare quality found in fine collectible bronzes: it first attracts the eye with its silhouette and movement, then holds the gaze with the infinite richness of its details.

La Mareyeuse
Bronze with a brown patina
Height: 82 cm
Rotating circular base
Signed E. Picault
Period: late 19th century

A significant, characterful sculpture with an exceptional presence that will naturally find its place in a collection of French bronzes or in an interior seeking a strong and elegant sculptural piece.