56" Barbedienne Cast of Gloria Victis Bronze by Marius-Jean-Antonin Mercie

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$148,000.00

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This extraodinary bronze sculpture, Gloria Victis, by Marius Jean Antonin Mercie (1845-1916), was cast by Barbedienne in the nineteenth century. Number #73 from the edition of 56" (142 cm) tall casts -- the second largest size cast by Barbedienne. Beware of recasts molded from existing bronzes. This work is a rare 19th century cast by Barbedienne, and is priced accordingly. First conceived while Mercie was studying in Rome at the French Academy, it originally modelled where Fame was supporting a victorius warrior in anticipation of a positive outcome to the Franco-Prussian war started in 1870. Following France's defeat, Merci substituted a dying warrior with a damaged sabre. It is commonly believed that it represents Mercié's contemporary, Henri Rigault, a sculptor who was killed on the final day of battle. "Gloria Victis!" is a rejoinder to the ancient motto Vae victis! Additional images forwarded upon request.