"Sword of Valor" Antique French Bronze Sculpture by André Massoulle, Thiebaut

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"Sword of Valor" Antique French Bronze Sculpture by André Massoulle, Thiebaut

About the Item

This exceptional work by André Massoulle depicts the aftermath of what Roman historians describe as the Varian Disaster. A lone Germanic warrior stands over the fallen Roman standard and examines his worn and twisted blade. Known as the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest, an alliance of Germanic tribes ambushed and battled three Roman legions and dealt an enormous blow to the Roman Empire, one that military historians generally note as Rome’s greatest defeat. While the Roman armies continued to battle the Germanic tribes for years to come, they never thereafter sought territory east of the Rhine. Particularly interesting in the campaign is the complexity of deception required to carry out the ambush: the Germanic tribute Arminius lived under Roman tutelage from childhood, eventually becoming the trusted advisor to Publius Quinctilius Varus. Simultaneously, Arminius had in secret negotiated alliances between warring Germanic tribes against a common enemy: Rome. Varus would eventually lead the campaign against the Germanic tribes, at which point Arminius betrayed Varus and led soldiers against the Roman garrisons. The sculpture is depicted in both Pierre Kjellberg’s work and the voluminous undertaking by Berman (both noted below) and was cast almost without exception by the foundry of Thiebaut Freres. It is an inordinately fine work, the crisp chiseled detail and flawless original patina being a most moving presentation; the work has shown up on the art market numerous times over the years, but one notable differentiator is treatment of the swords - the present example has one of the best depictions of a battle worn sword, the blade falling perfectly between his prone fingertips with an exaggerated twisting exactly where the fingers touch the blade. It is absolute perfection. The back of the naturalistic base is sealed with the Thiebaut Freres, Paris seal while the edge of it is signed by Massoulle. Literature: Bronzes: Sculptors and Founders, 1800-1930, Vol. II, Harold Berman, 1976, p. 315, f. 1135 Bronzes of the Nineteenth Century, Dictionary of Sculptors, Pierre Kjellberg, 1994, p. 464 Measurements: 11 1/2” W (approx.) x 9” D (approx.) x 22 1/4” H Condition report: Proper right arm seam has become visible and the pin appears to have been tightened at one point - this is a pretty typical flaw for lost-wax pieces, though we could have this restored upon request (contact for pricing and timing if this is required). Otherwise very good original condition, beautifully waxed and polished; presentation ready. We have additional images available upon request.

Creator:
Thiebaut Freres (Metalworker),André Massoulle (Sculptor)
Dimensions:
Height: 22.25 in (56.52 cm)Width: 11.5 in (29.21 cm)Depth: 9 in (22.86 cm)
Style:
Romantic (Of the Period)
Materials and Techniques:
Bronze,Patinated
Place of Origin:
France
Period:
Late 19th Century
Date of Manufacture:
circa 1880-1900
Condition:
Wear consistent with age and use. Seam visibility on proper right arm, see full condition notes in descriptive text, additional images available upon request.
Seller Location:
Shippensburg, PA
Reference Number:
Seller: 802KLB03A | Silla, ltd.1stDibs: LU105909947731

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