Rendered with the warmth and social empathy of the French Realist tradition, this patinated bronze presents a young peasant boy paused mid-step — wide-brimmed hat shading his face, a bundle pressed close to his chest, and the strap of a satchel adjusted across his shoulder with the unconscious ease of childhood. His rolled sleeves, knee-length trousers, and bare feet tell the story of rural France with quiet eloquence, the artist finding dignity and beauty in the everyday.
The casting displays exceptional sensitivity to texture and movement: the loose folds of the shirt, the weight of the satchel, and the natural posture of a child in motion are each rendered with lifelike precision. A warm, rich patina deepens the bronze's surface, lending the figure a sense of lived experience and time. An evocative accent for a library, a paneled study, or displayed alongside other 19th-century Realist bronzes in a thoughtfully curated collection.
Scenes of rural childhood were among the most beloved subjects of French Realist sculptors, who sought to elevate the lives of ordinary people to the level of high art. This young peasant boy is a moving and beautifully realized example of that humanist vision. Dimensions on file; please inquire.
This item is an authentic antique. Due to its age and historical use, signs of wear, surface variation, repairs, and imperfections are to be expected. These characteristics are inherent to antique pieces and contribute to their unique character and authenticity.Upholstery may show wear, subtle fading, texture variation, or irregularities consistent with age and use.Please review all photographs carefully for condition details and contact us prior to purchase with any questions.
Place of Origin: France
Period: 19th Century
Dimensions: 19.3"H
Inventory Number: ZZ150
Location: JAA
Price: $ 1295