Gladiator In Bronze - Brown Patina - Attributed To émile Louis Picault - Period: 19th Century

An antique French sculpture in brown patinated bronze depicting an ancient gladiator wearing a cloak and wielding a sword.
This very fine representation is attributed to Émile Louis Picault.

Period : 19th Century
Dimensions: Height: 64cm x Width: 32cm

A prolific and talented sculptor, Émile Louis PICAULT (1833-1915) specialised early on in creating works of diverse inspiration. He sculpted warriors, figures in historical costume, troubadours and courtesans from different periods, as well as mythological, literary and theatrical subjects, and orientalist subjects.

He has a predilection for allegorical statues, singing of republican virtues, but also of the enlightening benefits of the culture of the Spirit and the development of Knowledge.
In all his allegorical works, Émile Picault used the same tried-and-tested techniques: the young hero with perfect muscles, a youthful yet determined face, a declamatory gesture that was sometimes a little excessive, and an abundance of symbolic decorations.

These works were a publishing success throughout his career, thanks in particular to Susse Frère. 
The Colin and Houbedine foundries and the Société des Bronzes de Paris also published a large number of Émile Picault's works.