Bronze Sculpture *le Devoir*—adrien étienne Gaudez (french, 1845–1902)

19th-century French bronze sculpture titled “Le Devoir,” l by the famous French sculptor Adrien Étienne Gaudez.

The work depicts an athletic young man symbolizing duty, courage, and hard work. Wearing an animal pelt around his waist, he holds a sword in one hand and leans on a plow with the other. This composition is a classic allegorical representation of the defense and advancement of the homeland, symbolized by “the sword and the plow.”

The anatomy is rendered with remarkable precision and finesse, characteristic of Gaudez’s artistic mastery. The bronze features a magnificent brown patina with warm hues, which highlights the depth of the modeling, the detailed musculature, and the delicate rendering of the drapery.

On the front of the circular bronze pedestal is an elegant cartouche bearing the inscription:

“LE DEVOIR – BY A. GAUDEZ – OUT OF COMPETITION”

Title: Le Devoir

Artist: Adrien Étienne Gaudez (French, 1845–1902)

Material: Bronze with a brown patina and warm tones

Date: Late 19th century (circa 1880–1890)

Signature / Inscription: Signed “A. GAUDEZ” on the base and featuring a cartouche bearing the inscription “LE DEVOIR / BY A. GAUDEZ / OUT OF COMPETITION.”