Gloria Victis, Antonin Mercié

"Gloria Victis" sculpture created by Antonin Mercié in 1872 in homage to the heroes who were victims of the war of 1870 (Gold medal at the 1874 salon), allegory represented by a young winged woman carrying a dying soldier, on the ground we notice a branch of olive tree and an owl (attributes of Athena goddess of war). This bronze group was produced at the end of the 19th century (1880/1900) by the founder Barbedienne with the mechanical reduction stamp Collas. Beautiful presentation in its original nuanced brown patina (moderate wear) we can note a slight joint line at the start of the left arm, molded base in cherry red marble not included in the height indicated. Antonin Mercié French sculptor born in Toulouse (1845/1916) after obtaining the 1st Prix de Rome for sculpture in 1868 at the Villa Medici, he received a Medal of Honor during the Universal Exhibition of 1878, and the Grand Prize for that of 1889. Promoted to Grand Officer of the Legion of Honor in 1900, his sculptures are present in the largest national museums.