Sculpture - Saint Jean - Baptiste By Paul Dubois (1829-1905) , F. Barbedienne Fondry - Bronze

A bronze proof with a brown patina , depicting a work by the French artist Paul Dubois (1829–1905) , cast by the foundry Ferdinand Barbedienne, "Saint Jean-Baptiste as a Child", created in Rome in 1861 .
A pivotal sculpture of the Neo-Florentine movement of the second half of the 19th century , it represents a radical break with the austere academic style of the time by embracing realism and grace inspired by the Italian High Renaissance .
A monumental version of this subject is housed at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris .
The work depicts Saint Jean-Baptiste in his early childhood , portrayed as a young boy .
The child’s face is captivating , his gaze is focused and imbued with a precocious spiritual maturity .
His lips are slightly parted as if he were speaking or preaching  , this symbolizes the "Vox clamantis in deserto" (the voice crying out in the wilderness) , he is the voice of prophecy already beginning to make itself heard .
He is depicted standing , with a slight shift of weight from one leg to the other (contrapposto) .
His weight rests on his right leg while his left leg is bent backward , giving the impression of a suspended, natural movement .
His right arm is raised , with his index finger pointing toward the sky , this traditional gesture heralds the coming of the Messiah .
In his left hand , he holds a rudimentary cross , which foreshadows Christ’s Passion and Christian baptism , while also recalling the poverty and simplicity of his future life as a hermit .
Saint Jean Baptiste wears a simple animal skin tied around his hips , this tunic made of camel or sheep’s hair symbolizes the renunciation of material wealth , penance , and asceticism in the desert .
Through this iconic work , Paul Dubois highlights the contrast between fragility and strength .
The slenderness of the child’s body contrasts with the spiritual power emanating from his gesture and gaze , symbolizing the idea that divine strength is embodied even in the fragility of childhood .
The symbolism of the infant Saint Jean Baptiste rests on the transition from human childhood to divine mission .
In this work , Paul Dubois blends traditional Christian motifs with a humanist aesthetic inspired by the Italian Renaissance .
Sculpture signed by the artist , located in Rome and dated "P.DUBOIS. Rome. 1861".
Foundry mark "F.BARBEDIENNE.Fondeur" and a circular stamp reading "Reduction Mecanique Achille Collas" .
A rare bronze , dating from the second half of the 19th century .
In perfect condition with excellent patina .

Dimensions: 63 cm x 18 cm x 18 cm


Paul Dubois (1829 - 1905)

Paul Dubois was a famous French sculptor and painter .

Born on July 18 , 1829 in Nogent-sur-Seine , Paul Dubois was the son of François Antoine Dubois (1798–1868) , a royal notary , mayor of Nogent-sur-Seine , and member of the Aube General Council , and the grandnephew of the sculptor Jean-Baptiste Pigalle .
After studying law , he was admitted to the School of Fine Arts in Paris to study in Armand Toussaint’s studio .
He went to Rome and Florence to study for four years, where he was deeply influenced by Italian Renaissance art .
He made his debut at the 1860 Salon .
He won a medal for his first two statues "Saint John the Baptist" and "Narcissus Bathing" in 1863 .
Deeply influenced by Italy and Renaissance Art , he became a leading figure among the so-called "Florentine"sculptors , who emulated their predecessors of the "Quattrocento" .

Upon his return to Paris , deeply influenced by his stay in Italy , Paul Dubois enjoyed immediate success from the very beginning with his refined works , inspired by the Italian Renaissance .
It was in this vein that he sculpted "The Florentine Singer", for which he was awarded the "Medal of Honor" at the 1865 Salon .
In 1865 and 1876 , Paul Dubois was awarded a "Medal of Honor" at the Fine Arts Fair.
He was then elected a member of the Academy of Fine Arts in 1876 .

In 1873 , Paul Dubois was appointed "Curator of the Musée du Luxembourg" .
In 1878 , he succeeded Eugène Guillaume as director of the School of Fine Arts in Paris, where his students included Fabio Stecchi and Camille Claudel , until she met Auguste Rodin in 1884 .
His "Monument to Joan of Arc" , unveiled on the forecourt of Reims Cathedral in 1896 , also contributed to his fame and earned him the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor , awarded by the President of the Republic , Felix Faure .

Paul Dubois died on May 23 , 1905 , in Paris .
He is buried at "Père-Lachaise" Cemetery (9th division) .