Antique French Bronze Sculpture of Roman Goddess Fortuna by Jean Gautherin

This wonderful nineteenth century bronze by Jean Gautherin (1840-1890) depicts Fortuna, the Roman Goddess of luck, fate and fortune.  Signed with foundry mark depicting a standing hound.  The work is mounted upon a white marble plinth and the overall measures are 40" by 16" by 14".   Condition is good.  It has an old, undisturbed patina, and scratches and small dents/dings that are all consistent with age. 

Gautherin was born in Ouroux and studied at École des Beaux-Arts in Paris under Gumery and A. Dumont.  He exhibited at the Paris Salon from 1865 and won medals in 1868, 1870 and 1873. Gautherin was made a Chevalier of the Légion d'Honneur in 1878.  He is known widely for his Statue of Diderot for the Place St-Germain-des-Prés in Paris.  His works can be found in numerous museums throughout France, including Musee d'Art Moderne, Musee d'Orsay and Musee du Petit Palais in Paris, plus museums in Nancy, Lyon, Bordeaux and Toulon.  (Source: Benezit-Dictionnaire Des Peintres, Sculpteurs, Dessinateurs Et Graveurs.)