David Terrassat Goliath By Marius Jean Antonin Mercie 1845-1916

Large bronze representing King David one foot on the head of Goliath which he has just cut Double patinas height 73cm mechanical reduction stamp COLLAS (Barbedienne cast iron) signed A.MERCIE Antonin MERCIE was a sculptor and painter born in Toukouse in 1845 Encouraged by Falguière left for Paris to become his favorite student Prix de Rome in 1868 at the age of 23, he discovered 15th century sculpture and found inspiration from Ghiberti, Donatello and Verrochio. It is possible that in sculpting his DAVID he wanted to compete with the greatest of the Renaissance. His David represents a slender, relaxed young man, one foot on Goliath's head, simply puts the sword back in its sheath, seeming to complete a simple routine work.. If this delicate work, somewhat orientalized by a frieze with arabesques and an oriental sword It shows all the grandeur, the strength and the will of this mythical king The excellent founder Barbedienne used the Collas reduction process mechanics in order to give a high quality cast iron to his character Mercié obtains the greatest rewards at the Universal Exhibitions. In 1900 he was appointed Professor at the School of Fine Arts. Through his knowledge of composition, his accuracy in the expression of feelings, his verve and liveliness of imagination, added to a rare understanding of beauty, Antonin Mercié deserves to be among the greatest statuaries of the end of the 19th century. and from the beginning of the 20th century free shipping worldwide