Bronze Sculpture “the Reader” By L. Grégoire, 1840–1890

A finely chiseled bronze sculpture with a golden patina, depicting a youngwoman dressed in ancient style, absorbed in reading a letter.
Date: late 19th century.
The finesse of the modeling, the delicate facial expression, and the rendering of the draperyhighlight the quality of this work’s craftsmanship.
The sculpture is signed “L. Grégoire*” on the base, with themark of the Société des Bronzes on the side.
It rests on a black marble pedestal.
In very good condition, with a beautiful patina.
Pedestal dimensions: 27.5 × 22 × 4 cm.
Total weight: 19.5 kg.
*Jean-Louis Grégoire 1840–1890 French School; the son of a chaser, he exhibited at the Salon beginning in 1867, presentingbusts of contemporaries, mythological works, various scenes, and,after the defeat of 1870, patriotic subjects. He was a member of theFrench Artists (excerpt from *Les bronzes du XIXème* by Kjellberg).-Société des bronzes de Paris: Active from approximately 1875 to 1930, this foundry was located at 41Boulevard du Temple and 14 Rue Béranger in Paris. Aproduction workshop is also mentioned at 117 Boulevard Voltaire