Gloria Victis

Details

MARIUS-JEAN-ANTONIN MERCIE (FRENCH, 1845–1916)
Gloria Victis
signed 'A. MERCIE', with foundry inscription 'F. BARBEDIENNE, Fondeur. Paris.' and A. Collas reduction cachet, the integral base titled 'GLORIA VICTIS'
bronze, gilt and dark brown patina
42 in. (106.5 cm.) high
Conceived in 1874.
This cast circa 1895.

Special notice

This lot will be removed to Christie’s Park Royal. Christie’s will inform you if the lot has been sent offsite. Our removal and storage of the lot is subject to the terms and conditions of storage which can be found at Christies.com/storage and our fees for storage are set out in the table below - these will apply whether the lot remains with Christie’s or is removed elsewhere. Please call Christie’s Client Service 24 hours in advance to book a collection time at Christie’s Park Royal. All collections from Christie’s Park Royal will be by pre-booked appointment only. Tel: +44 (0)20 7839 9060 Email: cscollectionsuk@christies.com. If the lot remains at Christie’s it will be available for collection on any working day 9.00 am to 5.00 pm. Lots are not available for collection at weekends.

Conditions of sale

Brought to you by

Paul Gallois

pgallois@christies.com +44 (0)20 7389 2260

Lot Essay

First shown at the Paris Salon of 1874, Mercié’s dramatic Gloria Victis was completed shortly following the Franco-Prussian war. Initially Mercié planned the group to consist of Fame and a victorious soldier but altered it following France’s defeat to the celebrated group known today. The plaster version was re-exhibited at the Exposition Universelle of 1878 alongside bronze reductions cast by Barbedienne.

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