Antonin MERCIE (1845-1916) - David winner of Goliath (small model) Late 19th century bronze, cast by F. Barbedienne.
Antonin MERCIE (1845-1916)
'David Conqueror of Goliath'
Bronze proof with nuanced chocolate-brown patina, small model.
Signed A Mercié on the base and mention of the foundry 'F. Barbedienne' around the edge.
Mounted on a square cherry marble base.
Old edition cast.
France, late 19th century, circa 1890.
Good condition (a few scratches on the sabre), good proof, particularly fine cast, and quite rare in this reduced size.
Total dimensions (marble included): Height 32 cm x Width 14 cm x Depth 11 cm.
Dimensions of the marble base: L 10.5 cm x W 10.5 cm x H 3.3 cm
History of the work:
The David was made in 1869 by Antonin Mercié, while he was a resident of the Academy of Rome in France. He thus wishes to renew the representation of this famous biblical episode recounting the victory in a duel of the young shepherd David over the giant Goliath, while drawing his inspiration from the great bronze makers of the Florentine Renaissance, such as Donatello or Verrochio.
It was presented at the Salon after the war of 1870 and immediately won great success thanks to the elegance of its pose and the firmness of its modelling, but also because it represented a symbol of hope for revenge. future of France on Prussia.
(source Orsay Museum)