édouard François Zier, Vercingétorix Returning Arms To Caesar, Original Drawing

Édouard François ZIER
(Paris 1856-1924)
Dressed in his finest armour, Vercingetorix rides proudly to Caesar's throne and throws his sword at the victor's feet - original drawing for Le sang gaulois, Paris, Combet et Cie, sd.
ca. 1890
ink and black ink wash, black stone and white gouache on board
32 x 51 cm (image); 55 x 75.5 cm (framed)
signed 'Ed Zier' lower left

Selective bibliography:
Bénézit, Paris, Ernest Gründ Editeur
L. Megias and J. Manuel, El Quijote inédito de Edouard Zier: una mirada recuperada, Madrid, Sial Ediciones, 2007

Notable museum :
Museum of Art and History, Auxerre 

For further information:
François Zier, painter and illustrator, trained with Jean-Léon Gérôme. This rigorous academic training shaped his distinctive style, characterised by a concern for detail and great technical mastery. Zier exhibited his work at the Paris Salon from 1874 until 1909, winning medals on several occasions. 
Throughout his career, Zier worked with a number of influential publications, including Le Courrier Français, L'Illustration and Le Monde Illustré. These collaborations testify to his ability to adapt his art to the various formats of the print media. At the same time, he illustrated numerous novels for young people, consolidating his reputation as a talented illustrator.
Zier is often described as a troubadour painter, because his subjects - mostly commissions - are regularly inspired by medieval and Renaissance themes. This artistic movement, imbued with a Romantic aesthetic, is evident in his historical and genre scenes such as the present drawing: Vercingetorix, the Gallic leader, rides majestically on horseback, throwing his weapons at the feet of Julius Caesar, general of the Roman legions. This symbolic gesture, depicted in numerous historical and artistic works, marks the emblematic moment of Vercingetorix's surrender to the Roman forces. Julius Caesar is surrounded by his soldiers, who are watching the scene unfolding before them with palpable attention.