French 19th Century Parcel Silver & Gilt Bronze Sculpture of a Man & Woman

Description

Important French 19th century multi figural bronze sculpture of a male and female, in a warm brown patina with unusual … more Important French 19th century multi figural bronze sculpture of a male and female, in a warm brown patina with unusual and rare parcel gilt and silver intricate decoration.
Depicting a King with his Queen or consort by his side and standing near a Corinthian capped pillar. This column in black and rouge marble featuring dore bronze mounts is a classic order of Greek and Roman architecture.
The entity is raised on a shaped black Belgian marble base.
The combination of mediums and finishes add to the extravagance and beauty of this statue. The casting showcases exquisite workmanship and fine detail throughout.
stamped under foot V.P , for Victor Paillard.
The richly chased patinated bronze figures are draped in period attire. The handsomely bearded male figure wears a highly ornate parcel gilt and silver hooded robe and sandals while he holds a royal staff. The divine female figure depicted with decorative gilt and silver accents on her fully draped robe wears an impressively braided hairdo.
There is a winged cherubic deity atop the marble column.
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Victor Paillard ( 1805-1886) was mostly know as an expert founder, but he was also an important sculptor. He learned the art of the chiseleur at a very young age and later opened his studio, casting works in bronze in the 1830’s.
In 1839 he appeared at the Exposition des Products de l’Industrie.
In 1855, he became a member of the jury at the Exposition Universelle and was made a Chevalier of the Legion d’honeur.
It was during this period that he was known to employ nearly one hundred craftsmen. When Paillard was 69 yrs old, he became mayor of Paris’s third district.
A small stamp of "V.P." (Victor Paillard ) was generally found in obscure places and sometimes hidden in elements of his works as his mark; as is the signature under the foot of the figure in this sculpture.
Assyrian, Persian, Babylonian king, King Minos, Menelaus king of Mycenaean Sparta, Priest, biblical, classical mythology, palace, Greco Roman..
This piece weighs ~ 75 lbs . less