Léon Pilet (1840-1916) - Sculpture, "Jesus as the Good Shepherd" - 29.7 cm - Patinated bronze

Height: 29,7 cm.
Weight: 3472 g.
Condition: the bronze itself is in very good antique condition, with attractive age-related patination and minor surface wear consistent with age. The black base shows some small chips, edge wear and surface marks, particularly to the corners, all clearly visible in the photographs. These do not detract from the overall presentation of the sculpture.
Please examine all photographs carefully, as they form an important part of the condition description.


Léon Pilet (1840–1916) – Jesus as the Good Shepherd – Patinated Bronze Sculpture

An impressive and finely executed 19th / early 20th-century bronze sculpture by the French sculptor Léon Pilet (1840–1916), depicting Jesus as the Good Shepherd.

Christ is represented standing in a calm and dignified pose, carrying a lamb across his shoulders and holding a shepherd’s crook in his right hand. The composition refers to one of the most enduring Christian iconographic themes: Christ as the protector and guardian of his flock.

The figure is particularly well modelled, with careful attention to the facial features, beard and hair, the naturalistic treatment of the lamb, and the deeply folded drapery of the robes. The surface retains an attractive warm brown patina with subtle golden highlights, giving the bronze considerable depth and character.

The sculpture stands on a rectangular black plinth, which provides a strong visual contrast with the rich tones of the bronze.

A refined and highly decorative religious bronze, combining strong sculptural quality with an important and timeless subject. An excellent piece for collectors of French bronze sculpture, religious art, 19th-century sculpture and ecclesiastical decorative arts.