Émile Colin & Cie - Henry Étienne Dumaige (1830-1888) - Sculpture, François Rabelais - 55 cm - Patinated bronze

François Rabelais – Important bronze sculpture after Henry Étienne Dumaige (1830-1888) – 19th century

Magnificent and imposing bronze sculpture representing François Rabelais (circa 1494-1553), the famous French Renaissance writer, physician and humanist.

Created at the end of the 19th century after a work by the French sculptor Henry Étienne Dumaige (1830-1888), this remarkable sculpture testifies to the skill and refinement of French sculpture of that era.

François Rabelais is depicted standing, dressed in an elegant Renaissance costume, holding a quill in one hand, symbolizing his literary activity.

The sculpture work is particularly meticulous: the facial expression, the finesse of the beard, the details of the costume and the many folds of the garment offer a rendering of great artistic richness.

The sculpture features a superb brown patina with warm nuances, which admirably highlights the reliefs and gives the whole a beautiful depth.

It bears the signature “Émile Colin & Cie – Paris”, a famous Parisian art-casting house renowned for the quality of its bronze castings.

The base bears the inscription “François Rabelais”.

Specifications

* Artist: after Henry Étienne Dumaige (1830-1888)
* Subject: François Rabelais
* Era stated: end of the 19th century
* Origin: France
* Material: bronze
* Patina: brown, with lovely nuances
* Signature: Émile Colin & Cie, Paris
* Height: 55 cm
* Weight: 14.5 kg
* Condition: good overall presentation, with signs of age and use to be appreciated in the photographs

A remarkable collectible piece

At 55 cm tall and weighing a substantial 14.5 kg, this sculpture has an exceptional presence.

It will naturally find its place in a library, an office, an elegant living room, or a collection dedicated to ancient bronzes and the great figures of French literature.

A very beautiful decorative and collectible piece, combining history, literature, and French 19th-century sculpture.