Lot Essay
Théodore Joseph Napoléon Jacques studied at the École des Beaux-Arts under Pierre Cartellier and Jean-Pierre Cortot. In 1836, he moved to Russia and eventually authored several important sculptures during his stay, including the colossal bronze allegory of the River Neva in St. Petersburg and a monument to Peter the Great in Kronstadt. After living in Russia for 25 years, Jacques returned to Paris and continued to be very active, exhibiting at the Salon and receiving critical acclaim. It is likely that the present lot was cast by the Susse Frères foundry during this period; the influence of his many years spent in Russia is still evident.