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Lot Essay
Jacques Bousseau (1681-1740) showed considerable sculptural promise from childhood, and as a result of the support of the Bishop of Luçon, he was able to study in Paris in the atelier of Nicolas Coustou. He won first prize for sculpture in 1705, and was at the French Academy in Rome from 1709 - 1712.
Back in Paris, he became an Agréé of the Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture in 1713, and a full Academician in 1715. The marble of 'Un soldat bandant un arc' (Soldier bending a bow) was his morceau de réception, and is now in the Louvre.
Various bronze versions of the sculpture are known, most of which are of the same height as the present example (New York, loc.cit.). Although the title given to the piece is a generic one, it is tempting to wonder whether it was not meant to represent Ulysses stringing his bow prior to slaying Penelope's suitors.
Back in Paris, he became an Agréé of the Académie royale de peinture et de sculpture in 1713, and a full Academician in 1715. The marble of 'Un soldat bandant un arc' (Soldier bending a bow) was his morceau de réception, and is now in the Louvre.
Various bronze versions of the sculpture are known, most of which are of the same height as the present example (New York, loc.cit.). Although the title given to the piece is a generic one, it is tempting to wonder whether it was not meant to represent Ulysses stringing his bow prior to slaying Penelope's suitors.