Description
Émile Louis Picault “Le Genie de L’Humanite”. Bronze with light and dark brown patina, France, circa 1880
Condition is excellent.
Measures: Height: 21.75 inches (55 cm)
Width: 9 inches (23 cm)
Depth: 7.25 inches (18 cm)
A late 19th century cast of the work by É. Picault, with foundry mark “Vrai Bronze Garanti Paris” on the base.
Depicting a man holding a torch with his right hand reaching a peak at dawn or dusk with the sun behind the peak. The male nude figure stands atop a base with an open book containing the names Pasteur, Humboldt, Edison, Sturat Mill, Lavoisier, Franklin, V. Hugo, Arago. This exceptional bronze has an Art Nouveau – Art Deco strength and style.
Émile Louis Picault (1833-1915) was a French sculptor, best known for works depicting allegorical and patriotic subjects and historical and mythological heroes. Picault was a very prolific artist, producing sculptures in abundance during his long sculpting career. He began to show his artwork at the Salon in Paris beginning in 1863.