CAST BY DE BRAUX D'ANGLURE, FROM THE MODEL BY BARON CARLO MAROCHETTI (1805-1867), PARIS, SECOND HALF 19TH CENTURY

The present bronze is a reduction of Baron Charles Marochetti’s celebrated equestrian group of Emmanuel-Philibert, duc de Savoie (1528-1580) created for the Piazza San Carlo in Turin and still in place today. A tour de force of mid-19th century triumphalist historical sculpture, it is considered by many to be the Franco-Italian artist’s masterpiece. Emmanuel-Philibert (1528-1580) was known for his military prowess and political innovations which strengthened the power of the house of Savoy in Piedmont. Marocetti’s commanding representation of the illustrious nobleman, raising a sword astride his steed and wearing a wind-swept feathered helmet, simultaneously alludes to the sitter’s authority whilst also evoking the theatricality of contemporary Romantic sculpture.

The monumental equestrian group cast by Soyer et Ingé was inaugurated in Turin in 1838, following a brief exhibition outside the Louvre in Paris several months before, where it was greeted with great acclaim and furthered Marochetti’s reputation in Parisian artistic circles. Marochetti closely oversaw the subsequent production of bronze reductions of this group, authorizing a small number of foundries, including De Braux d’Anglure and Susse frères, to create it in various sizes with this appearing to be the largest one known. It is interesting to note that De Braux d’Anglure produced reductions of this group between 1839 and 1854 – suggesting a more precise dating for the present lot – and that they appear to be the only foundry to have created editions in this seemingly rare size. Other reductions measuring 42 cm. are also known.