Early 20thc French bronze figure of the 'Neapolitan Fisherboy'

Early 20thc French bronze figure of the 'Neapolitan Fisherboy'
Code: LVS1441

Dimensions:W: 22cm (8.7")H: 38cm (15")D: 20cm (7.9")
£1,750.00
Approx $2358.49, €2037.25
*Insured UK mainland delivery included in list price*

An early 20th century French bronze figure of the ‘Neapolitan Fisherboy', after Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux (1827 - 1875).

This decorative bronze depicts the Neapolitan Fisherboy holding a shell to is ear with fishing net draped over his left leg in crouching pose on naturalistic octagonal base.

Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux was a French sculptor and painter who entered the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in 1844 winning the Prix de Rome in 1854, later moving to Rome for inspiration and studied the great works of Michelangelo, Donatello and Verrocchio.

While studying in Rome he submitted a plaster version of the ‘Pecheur Napolitain a la coquille’ or the ‘Neapolitan Fisherboy’ in 1858 to the French Academy. He carved the marble version several years later and showed this at the Salon exhibition in 1863 where it was purchased for Napoleon III’s Empress Eugenie.

This figure became very popular and reproductions were produced in various sizes in both marble and bronze, the bronze editions cast by his brother, Emile Carpeaux and later by Susse.

Reference: This bronze can be found in the book ‘Bronzes: Sculptors & Founders 1800-1930 Volume’ by Harold Berman.

This bronze has been electrified in the past although at present is purely a decorative item.

This bronze figure is in very good condition for age and can go straight into a home.

Size:

Height: 15'' / 38cm

Width: 8.5'' / 22cm

Depth: 8'' / 20cm