Harlequin By Paul Dubois (1829-1905) - Bronze

Bronze sculpture representing " Harlequin " by Paul Dubois .
Shaded brown patina .
Signature of the sculptor "P.Dubois" on the bronze terrace, simulating part of the wooden floor .
Period XIX th century .
Perfect state of conservation and patina .

Harlequin, Arlecchino in Italian, is a typical character of the Commedia dell'arte, which appeared in the 16th century in Italy.
The Harlequin is dressed in a black mask and a patched coat made of diamonds of multicolored fabrics, these would represent the multiple facets of the Harlequin, as well as his poverty.
He wears flat shoes, lighter, allowing him to perform a thousand pirouettes and acrobatics.
He is also dressed in a hat that does not fully cover his skull, his musical instrument (mandolin), a belt, and a bat serving as a club.

Paul Dubois (1829-1905) is one of the most recognized French sculptors of the 19th century.

Inspired by Italy and Renaissance art, he established himself as one of the major figures of "Florentine" sculptors, in the wake of the sculptors of the Quattrocento.
Paul Dubois has demonstrated a great mastery of sculptural portraiture.

It mainly depicts busts of women, men, children and Saints.
The musical world occupies a central place in the bronze sculptures of Paul Dubois: Mozart, Harlequin, the lute or mandolin players as well as the figure of the Florentine singer are recurring themes in his work.
Women are also omnipresent, such as her iconic bronze sculptures: "La Charité", "La Maternité", "La suppliante", "Joan of Arc" but also "La Baigneuse".

Paul Dubois presented his first bronze sculpture at the Salon of 1860 and thus established himself as one of the most important sculptors of his time.
Very quickly, he received medals and obtained public and private commissions.
He collaborates in particular with the founder Ferdinand Barbedienne to edit his sculptures.