Offered by Mora Antiques
An important patinated bronze group by Jean-Louis Grégoire (1840–1890) depicting Perseus Freeing Andromeda, one of the most celebrated episodes from Greek mythology.
Condemned to be sacrificed to a sea monster, Andromeda was chained to a rock by the sea. Perseus, returning from his victorious encounter with Medusa, saw the young princess, defeated the monster and set her free.
Here, Grégoire chose to depict not the battle itself, but the moment of liberation. Perseus, recognisable in particular by his winged helmet, gently supports Andromeda while she, her arms still raised, appears to be released from her bonds.
The closeness of the two figures, their expressions, the upward movement of the composition and the elegant sweep of the drapery give the group a remarkable combination of heroic strength, grace and romanticism.
The quality of execution is particularly impressive. The anatomy of the figures, their facial expressions and hands, the deeply modelled drapery and the numerous details of Perseus’s costume demonstrate the considerable care devoted to both the modelling and the casting. The group stands upon a naturalistically modelled bronze ground, likewise executed with a great richness of detail.
The bronze retains a beautiful warm and subtly nuanced brown patina, which particularly enhances the relief and the fine quality of the chasing.
The work is signed on the base:
“L. Grégoire”
and bears the mark of the Parisian bronzier:
“Boyer Frères, Bronziers à Paris”
The presence of this mark is a particularly interesting feature of this example. Boyer Frères, active in Paris during the second half of the 19th century, was renowned for the production of high-quality artistic and decorative bronzes.
The group is presented on its substantial original rotating red marble base, richly embellished with finely chased gilt-bronze mounts.
The rotating mechanism allows the sculpture to be admired from every angle and emphasises the truly three-dimensional nature of the composition. Together with its marble and gilt-bronze base, the ensemble reaches an overall height of 78 cm and has a particularly imposing presence.
The original marble base has undergone professional restoration, which is mentioned for complete transparency. It retains its rotating function as well as its very attractive overall appearance.
With a height of approximately 65 cm for the bronze alone, this is a substantial version of Jean-Louis Grégoire’s composition.
A remarkable example of French bronze sculpture from the second half of the 19th century, combining a mythological subject, Romantic sensibility and the fine craftsmanship of the Parisian bronze industry.
Period: Second half of the 19th century
Origin: France, Paris
Sculptor: Jean-Louis Grégoire (1840–1890)
Subject: Perseus Freeing Andromeda (Persée délivrant Andromède)
Bronzier: Boyer Frères, Bronziers à Paris
Materials: Patinated bronze, red marble and gilt bronze
Signature: “L. Grégoire”
Mark: “Boyer Frères, Bronziers à Paris”
Overall dimensions: 78 × 65 × 43 cm
Height of bronze alone: approx. 65 cm
Condition: Very good overall condition. The original rotating marble base has undergone professional restoration.
Delevery information :
“We work with DHL Express to provide fast, secure and reliable worldwide delivery. High-value and fragile items are professionally packed and, where appropriate, shipped in a custom-made wooden crate for maximum protection. All shipments are fully insured. Shipping costs are calculated individually, based on the destination, size and value of the item, and will always be confirmed with you in advance.”
