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Very large patinated bronze sculpture of Louis XIV after Girardon

Creator: François Girardon
Offered by: Mayfair Gallery

Description
Very large patinated bronze sculpture of Louis XIV after Girardon
French, 19th Century
Height 109cm, width 87cm, depth 53cm

This very large sculpture depicts the famous King Louis XIV atop a horse. It is after a sculpture by the French sculptor Francois Girardon (1628-1715) which was unveiled on 13 August 1699 in the Place Louis le Grand (now known as Place Vendôme).

The present example is of outstanding quality, the cast depicting the finest of details such as the horse’s anatomy or the King’s facial expressions. The draping clothing is beautifully crafted with the many folds and creases adding to the trompe l’oil effect. The saddle as well as parts of the French monarch’s clothing bears several patterns, all very noticeable due to the superb finish of the bronze.

Kind Louis XIV with his horse stands atop a rectangular bronze plinth that features a scrolling cartouche with the depiction of Medusa. The base is signed ‘Girardon. / 1680’. A later, large painted wood plinth supports the French antique.

After a sculpture by a renowned artist, this antique is a magnificent addition to the collection of anyone interested in French decorative arts and horses.

Provenance: Formerly in the collection of Sir and Lady Roland Robinson (1st Baron and Lady Martonmere), British politician and Governor of Bermuda 1964-1972.

More Information

Documentation:	Documented elsewhere (similar item)
Origin:	France
Period:	19th Century
Materials:	Patinated bronze, painted wood.
Styles / Movements:	Other
Dealer Reference #:	17595
Incollect Reference #:	742785

Dimensions

W.	34.25 in;	H.	42.91 in;	D.	20.87 in;
W.	87 cm;	H.	109 cm;	D.	53 cm;

Message from Seller:

Mayfair Gallery is a leading gallery in the field of art and antiques, holding a large collection of unique pieces for sale. The breadth of the gallery’s collection is wide, and includes items from a range of periods, styles and geographical origins, as well as works by famous artists and craftsmen. The main focus of the gallery’s collection is, however, on items produced during the 19th and early 20th century.