Pierre-Jean David D’Angers, “La Liberté”, Bronze Sculpture, 1839

Description

A striking and uncommon 1839 cast bronze with dark patinated finish titled “La Liberté” by important and celebrated French sculptor … more A striking and uncommon 1839 cast bronze with dark patinated finish titled “La Liberté” by important and celebrated French sculptor Pierre-Jean David d’Angers (b. 1788–1856).

The iconic figure of Liberty—the powerful personification of the French Republic also known as Marianne—is styled by David d’Angers after Eugène Delacroix’s famous depiction of her in his painting commemorating the July Revolution of 1830, completed that same year. A strong and proud young woman, clear eyed and solemn, she gazes into the distance with a determined resolve. Dressed in a simple, loosely draped tunic and sporting a phrygian cap, the American and later French Revolution’s symbol of freedom and the pursuit of liberty, with her hair spilling out in waves.

She clutches a sheaf of laurel in her right hand, representative of the rights acquired by her people who’ve broken the yoke and chains of servitude which now lay under her feet. In her left hand is a long rifle that originally would’ve included a bayonet extending up from her fist, but which was lost decades ago judging by the dark patina on the break. An exceptionally evocative and captivating composition, with exquisite details throughout that reward closer examination.

Various patriotic legends and dates are displayed about the work. On the front of the base is a verse from the Marseillaise: “Liberté, liberté chérie/ combats avec tes défenseurs”. On the square—a symbol of equality—atop the Grecian plinth are the inscriptions “Egalité-Fraternité”. The dates of the French Revolution of 1789 and the July Revolution of 1830 appear on a scroll in the right hand.

Signed “P-J David” and dated “1839” in the mold on the right side of the base. Foundry mark of “Cresson Editeur” appears on the top of the base at lower left. Other matching original castings of this work can be found in Paris at the Louvre and Musée des Arts Décoratifs, in Angers at the eponymous Galerie David d’Angers, and in Washington, D.C. at the National Gallery of Art. For one to be available for acquisition outside of auction, and especially stateside, is quite uncommon.

Born Pierre-Jean David in 1788, he adopted the name David d’Angers after his birthplace in western France to differentiate himself from his contemporary, painter Jacques-Louis David. His many medallions and busts brought him great acclaim and a prosperous career, with an array of extremely notable and influential contributions to French public art. In the 1830s and 1840s, David became the country’s preeminent monument maker. Of particular importance were his pedimental sculpture for the Pantheon, his marble sculpture “Wounded Philopoemen” in the Louvre (for which he also contributed to the exterior), and his equestrian monument to General Jacques-Nicolas Gobert in Père Lachaise Cemetery.

From his biography on the National Gallery of Art website: “Masterful as sculptural form, his projects were influential, controversial, and reflected no easily defined ‘style’. In fact, his art served as an international benchmark in modern sculpture for artists and critics of his time.”

And it continues to do so to this day, as evidenced by David d’Angers’ definitive depiction of “La Liberté” that we’re proud to offer here. less