Ferdinand Le Villain - Centrepiece - Patinated bronze - Ganymede and Zeus – Bronze cup

Superb high-relief bronze signed and dated F. Le Villain, 1885 — 'Ganymede and Zeus'

A remarkable 19th-century work, this solid bronze signed by Ferdinand Le Villain and dated 1885 depicts one of the most refined episodes of Greek mythology: the abduction of Ganymede by Zeus.
The sculptor here creates a high relief of great elegance, where divine power and youthful grace intertwine.

The composition brings together strength and finesse.

the majestic strength of the eagle, an attribute of Zeus

the delicate figure of Ganymede, with a soft and classical modeling

a chiseled border reminiscent of antique friezes

and four sculpted mounts that give the whole a rare monumentality for a bronze of this typology.

The work of chasing, precise and profound, illustrates the mastery of French workshops of the late 19th century.
With a brown and green patina, entirely original, it shows characteristic signs of age, sought after by collectors for its authenticity.

Works signed by Le Villain depicting mythological subjects are well known, but pieces of this size, weight, and complexity are much rarer. The signature and date integrated into the relief further enhance the historical interest of this piece.

State:

Very good condition for a 19th century bronze.
Original patina with signs of aging (small pittings, light oxidation), consistent with a 19th-century bronze, without damage or deformation.

Dimensions :

Height: 12 cm

Relief diameter: 34.5 cm

Total width (handles included): 48 cm

Weight: 5.2 kg

Material

Massive bronze, cast and chiseled.

Provenance

Private collection (France)

Work shipped with great care and insurance.