catalog text
PATINATED BRONZE MODEL OF "LOUIS D'ORLEANS" BY EMMANUEL FREMIET
Signed in cast "E. FREMIET", "186" cast into naturalistic base; circa 1880; probably a Charles More cast
Item # 011AWB14C
A rare and incredibly fine lifetime casting of Fremiet's monumental sculpture of Louis D'Orléans, frére de Charles VI, it was originally cast in 1869 at a commissioned cost of 23,000 francs, paid for in 1870 and displayed at the Salon of 1870 as no. 4517. A small model of this enhanced with enamel was commissioned by the state in 1870 for a cost of 2000 francs and was sent to the Museum of Orléans in December of 1878. This proud equestrian sculpture remains on display in the courtyard of the restored Château de Pierrefonds in Pierrefonds, France.
The present model is an early casting during Fremiet's lifetime before production was turned over to Barbedienne towards the end of his life. It exhibits an extraordinary overall quality with jeweler-grade chiseling and finishing of the minute elements throughout. Note the flawless and exhaustive detailing, even down to the historically exacting rivet work in his armor. It retains the original and rather complex black over warm-brown surface patina with the rich red-oxide undertones so common in his early work. The signature is cast into the base directly from the mold and a production number of "186" [indicating it is likely a model cast by Charles More] near where the lance touches the base seems also to have been transferred directly from the mold to the bronze model. The underside of the sculpture is incised "11 Pieces / 749".
Always reticent to be known simply as an Animalier, Fremiet was proud of his breadth for a full range of subject matter; his ability to capture and contextualize both man and beast was accomplished and well-recognized. Perhaps no figure exemplifies this better than his model of Louis D'Orleans.
Artist Listings & Bibliography:
- Bronzes of the Nineteenth Century: A Dictionary of Sculptors, Pierre Kjellberg, Schiffer, 1994, model pictured p. 327
- Bronzes: Sculptors & Founders 1800-1930, Vol. III, Harold Berman, Abage, 1977, fig. 2518, p. 685
- Dictionnaire des Sculpteurs de L'École Française, Vol. II, Stanislas Lami, Kraus, 1916, see p. 411 for discussion of this model
- "Emmanuel Fremiet 1824-1910: La main et le multiple", Catherine Chevillot, ex. cat. Musée des Beaux-Arts de Dijon, p. 122-124, fig. S 237
- See Christies 12 March 2012, Sale 8048, Lot 2 achieved 9375 GBP (at 1.57 exchange rate 3/5/2012, this achieved approx. $ 14,700 USD)
Measurements: 20 5/8" H to spear (18 1/4" H to helmet) x 4 1/2" D x 13" W
Condition Report:
Original patina. Wear to patination along spear along with trace oxidization. Some rubbing wear and relieving of patina here and there, perhaps intentional or perhaps from gentle handling over the years. Cleaned, waxed and polished, in very fine presentation-ready condition.