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silla was born out of a passion for beautiful objects: special pieces with aesthetic and historical significance. In 2009, after years of collecting, Andrew Silla and his wife Grace began to work privately with clients from their residence in Southern Maryland. Quickly outgrowing the space, the business was moved from Maryland to Pennsylvania in 2012 and after several warehouse location changes it was firmly settled in the present brick-and-mortar location in downtown Shippensburg.

The 9000 square foot brick-and-mortar gallery is home to a large collection of works of art and estate jewelry. We specialize in sculpture circa 1860 through 1930 with a particular emphasis on the Animaliers and as such the gallery always has a very large collection of exceptional European and American sculpture available on display.

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Alfred Boucher (French, 1850-1934) Bronze Sculpture of L'Forgeron by Siot

Boucher, Alfred

SKU:
602XKP19Q

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catalog text

ALFRED BOTCHER (FRENCH, 1850-1934) BRONZE SCULPTURE OF L’FORGERON
Sealed w/ “Siot-Decauville Fondeur Paris” Foundry Mark, impressed L877, signed "A. Boucher”
Circa 1920
Item # 602XKP19Q


A powerful and moving subject of a foundryman breaking from his work, the sculpture is highly physical while the subject remains distant and disconnected.  He looks off into the distance with firm resolve set in his features, his body tense from a labor that is hard and unrelenting.  The anatomically and proportionally perfect way in which Boucher sculpted the scene is most striking, lending incredibly crisp features and details to his body and garment.  Each finger is not only perfectly filed with fingernails, but also with natural movement of the flesh and wrinkles; vein movement across his body is natural and most effective.  His leather smock shows wear and age, the folds and curves equally represented in the smock and his thin pants.  Behind the figure is a large anvil set on a stump.  The nearly black patina is wonderfully preserved with a glowing burnished depth, the surfaces perfectly cast and smooth, the filing and chisel work most excellent throughout.  The squared base is signed “A. Boucher” and bears the stamp of the Siot-Decauville foundry with the impression of L877.  At 31” in total height, this is a moving work that defines a space in a most dramatic way.  

Literature and References: 

  • "Bronzes: Sculptors & Founders, 1800-1930”, Vol IV, Berman, p. 860, f. 3281 [31” H example c. 1920]
  • “Bronzes of the Nineteenth Century, Dictionary of Sculptors”, Kjellberg, p. 118-20

Measurements:  31” H x 15 3/4” W x 9 1/2” D

Condition Report:
Trace oxidization and verdigris, light patina rubbing wear, light dust/dirt in crevices.  Overall exceptional presentation ready condition.