Offered by Mora Antiques
An exceptional bronze sculptural group with a dark, almost black patina, modeled after the work of the famous French sculptor Arthur Jacques Le Duc (1848–1918). This monumental composition depicts the abduction of Deianira, wife of Hercules, by the centaur Nessus—a dramatic episode from Greek mythology. The centaur’s anatomical power contrasts beautifully with the grace of the female figure. The tension in the bodies, the expressiveness of the faces, and the finesse of the modeling attest to the sculptor’s remarkable artistic mastery. The deep, dark patina emphasizes the volumes and lends the work as a whole a particularly majestic presence. Every angle reveals new details and the full richness of this composition. The Artist Arthur Jacques Le Duc (1848–1918) was a prominent French sculptor, renowned for his animal sculptures, equestrian compositions, and mythological subjects. His work is distinguished by remarkable anatomical precision, great expressiveness, and an exceptional mastery of movement. History and Museum References The plaster model of this composition was exhibited at the Paris Salon in 1878. A monumental bronze version was acquired by the French government at the 1879 Salon and later exhibited at the 1889 Paris World’s Fair. A smaller version, dated around 1890, is housed at the Musée d’Orsay in Paris under the title Centaur Abducting a Nymph, also known by the titles Centaur and Bacchante and Nessus and Deianira. From the prestigious Alfred Chauchard collection, this piece, which entered the national collections in 1910, measures 75 × 63 × 25 cm (inventory ChB 258). With its impressive dimensions, the bronze presented here possesses a remarkable monumental presence. A major work due to its expressive power, dynamism, and elegance, particularly suited for connoisseurs and collectors of great 19th-century French sculpture. Artist: Arthur Jacques Le Duc (1848–1918)
Period: Late 19th century
Origin: France
Material: Bronze with a dark patina
Dimensions: H. 96 × W. 84 × D. 35 cm Secure and insured international shipping.
Delevery information :
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