catalog text
EDOUARD DROUOT
French, 1859-1945
"Indien à Cheval" [Native American on Horseback]
Patinated, burnished and polychromed bronze | signed in base "E. Drouot", engraved to edge "ETLING PARIS" | a lifetime cast executed 1920-1940
Item # 312ZBO02W
An incredibly fine casting of "Indien à cheval" after the model by Edouard Drouot executed by the foundry of Etling in Paris, the present example was cast between 1920 and 1940 and exhibits an unusually high-grade of finish work on the surface throughout.
Naturally the casting quality is exquisite, but the surface work after casting is in depth and costly - note the careful chiseling of the hair, feathers, toes, full articulation of the details in the man's face and the fine rendition of his garment. Etling was known for their exclusive and remarkably high quality work, both as a foundry but also as an editeur of work utilizing other foundries, namely the foundry of Les Neveux de J Lehmann in Paris.
The present example is finished with a chemical patina on the base and horse, a burnished patina with light chemical toning to the animal hide and rider finished in a medium-brown chemical patina while his garment and headress are polychromed in numerous hues of pigment. Extraordinary.
Artist Listings & Bibliography:
- Bronzes of the Nineteenth Century: A Dictionary of Sculptors, Pierre Kjellberg, 1994, p. 294 [present example pictured, noted as "Indien à cheval"]
Measurements: 20 5/8" H x 6 1/2" D x 23 7/8" W
Condition Report:
Exceedingly good original condition; some trace wear to the edge of the base, more notable at the front; tassel beneath horse's chin perhaps re-gilded; ever-so-slight wiggle between the man and his horse; carefully cleaned, sealed in conservator's grade wax, polished, a brilliant presentation ready to place.