Mathurin Moreau (French, 1822-1912), Primavera

Patinated bronze, signed "Mathurin Moreau" to the round naturalistic terrace, with pastille stamp "EXPOSITION UNIVERSELLE 1889 MEDAILLE D'OR," numbered "8427" to the terrace profile.

32 1/2 x 16 x 14 in.

For a similar example, see Phillips de Pury & Co., 19th Century Decorative Furniture & Sculpture, 18 May 1999, Lot 105.

French sculptor, Mathurin Moreau, was trained in the academic style and became well known for his graceful figural sculptures and commissioned works, including those for the churches of Saint Augustin and La Trinité, le Palais Garnier, le Palais de Justice, l'Hôtel de Ville, the Tuileries, the fountain near la Comédie Française, among others.

Son and student of Jean Baptiste Moreau and older sibling to two other accomplished sculptors, Hippolyte and Auguste. Mathurin entered l'École des Beaux-Arts in Paris at nineteen, studying under Étienne-Jules (1796-1852) and Augustin-Alexandre Dumont (1801-1884). Mathurin first exhibited at the Salon in 1848 and crowned with the prestigious Medal of Honor in 1897. Around 1850 he began collaboration with foundry Val d'Osne to produce some of his most celebrated works and later became one of the foundry's administrators. His recognition among Parisians went beyond the art world, for Mathurin was appointed mayor of the 19th arrondissement in 1878 and had a street named in his honor upon his death in 1912.

Literature: Kjellberg, Pierre. Bronzes of the 19th Century, Dictionary of Sculptors (Atglen: Schiffer Publishing, Ltd., 1994), pages 511-516.

Some areas of rubbing and greening to the patina; underside with verdigris; area of patina wear beneath the male figure's left forearm; a few superficial paint marks.