Charles VII, the Victorious by Antoine-Louis Barye
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The scuplture by Antoine-Louis Barye captures the victory of Charles VII of France
Key Features
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- The incredible equestrian statue of Charles VII of France was modeled by Antoine-Louis Barye
- Entitled Charles VII, the Victorious, this bronze statue was cast by the renowned F. Barbadienne
- Originally modeled in 1840, the statue calls to mind both classical and Romantic influences
- Circa 1881
- Measurements forthcoming
Item Details
- Width:
4 1/8 Inches - Height:
11 5/8 Inches - Period:
19th Century - Origin:
France - Material:
Bronzes - Artist:
Barye, Antoine-Louise
Modeled by famed French Romantic sculptor Antoine-Louis Barye, this rare and regal bronze sculpture, entitled Charles VII, the Victorious, was cast by Ferdinand Barbedienne, the premier foundry of 19th-century France. This classical image depicts the French king, Charles VII, as a youth, mounted on horseback, clothed in armor and crowned with the laurel wreath of victory, and commemorates the young king's expelling, with the help of Joan of Arc, of the English from France. Though inspired by an equestrian statue of Charlemagne in the Louvre, this image also allowed Barye to reveal his genius for animal sculpture, for which he is ultimately regarded as the greatest sculptor of the 19th century.
After French forces led by Joan of Arc lifted the siege of Orléans in 1429, Charles (1403-61) was crowned king of France in Reims Cathedral. Although he failed to prevent Joan of Arc from being burned at the stake, Charles VII succeeded in expelling the English occupiers from Normandy after the Battle of Formigny in 1450 and from Guyenne the following year, thereby establishing the boundaries of France.
Signed "Barye 1840" and "F.Barbadienne Fondeur" with "FB" mark
Circa 1881
4 1/8" wide x 10 5/8" length x 11 5/8" high
Along with his friend and schoolmate, painter Eugene Delacroix, Barye became a primary figure in the Romantic Movement of the early 19th century. Often sketching lions and tigers at the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, it is said that the sculptor's motto was, "Observe nature. What other professor do you need?" His ferocious artistic manner often shocked the Classicists of the French Academy. Barye is also noted for the innovative techniques he developed as a bronze craftsman. His new methods of casting, chiseling and patination became the cornerstone of modern bronze work and are still being used today.
After French forces led by Joan of Arc lifted the siege of Orléans in 1429, Charles (1403-61) was crowned king of France in Reims Cathedral. Although he failed to prevent Joan of Arc from being burned at the stake, Charles VII succeeded in expelling the English occupiers from Normandy after the Battle of Formigny in 1450 and from Guyenne the following year, thereby establishing the boundaries of France.
Signed "Barye 1840" and "F.Barbadienne Fondeur" with "FB" mark
Circa 1881
4 1/8" wide x 10 5/8" length x 11 5/8" high
Along with his friend and schoolmate, painter Eugene Delacroix, Barye became a primary figure in the Romantic Movement of the early 19th century. Often sketching lions and tigers at the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, it is said that the sculptor's motto was, "Observe nature. What other professor do you need?" His ferocious artistic manner often shocked the Classicists of the French Academy. Barye is also noted for the innovative techniques he developed as a bronze craftsman. His new methods of casting, chiseling and patination became the cornerstone of modern bronze work and are still being used today.
