Sculpture - Esmeralda , Eugene Marioton (1854–1933) - Bronze

This major work by the sculptor Eugene Marioton (1854–1933) , standing 88 cm tall , depicts "Esmeralda" , the heroine from Victor Hugo’s famous novel , "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" , published in 1831 .
A young street dancer of Romani descent , she performs on the forecourt of Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris with her little goat .
A woman of great beauty and a very generous nature , she captures the attention and affection of several men in the novel , such as "Quasimodo" , "Claude Frollo" and "Phœbus de Châteaupers" .
The young woman is depicted in the midst of a dance , captured in a fluid and graceful movement characteristic of the neoclassical style and the Orientalist influence of the late 19th century .
With an airy and dynamic gesture , she raises her tambourine above her head , making the instrument vibrate , while her bent left arm keeps time with the rhythm .
Her long , flowing skirt billows , accentuating the impression of movement in the dance .
At her feet stands her faithful , beloved "Djali" , standing on her hind legs .
Esmeralda delicately points the index finger of her right hand toward the animal , creating a tender and intimate interaction at the heart of the composition .
The sculptor pays remarkable attention to the ornamental details .
The heroine wears a traditional headdress adorned with small metal pieces draped over her hair , a necklace of layered pearls , and a laced corset that accentuates her silhouette .
The circular bronze base features the artist’s engraved signature "Eug.Marioton" as well as the title of the work inscribed in relief on the front "ESMERALDA" .
A spectacular and rare antique sculpture , dating from the second half of the 19th century .
Excellent condition and patina .

Height: 88 cm

Eugene Marioton (1857–1933)

Born in Paris on April 7, 1857, Eugene Marioton was a prolific sculptor and medalist , he was the brother of Claudius Marioton and the painter Jean Alfred Marioton .

E. Marioton produced numerous allegorical subjects , antique and genre scenes , and portraits , which he exhibited at the Salon from 1882 onwards .
His work included many bronzes : busts , medallions , statues , and groups .
His works follow the traditions of Neoclassicism .
He was a regular member of the Society of French Artists and served on the jury for the "Sculpture" section of the Salon in 1905 .

Before his death in 1933 , E. Marioton received several awards for his work , including a prize from the Society of Fine Art and a young artists' grant from the "General Council of the Seine" in 1884 .