Late 19th Century French Patinated Bronze Sculpture of a Peasant/Shepherd Boy

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Late 19th century french patinated bronze sculpture of a peasant/shepherd boy

By: unknown
Material: bronze, copper, metal
Technique: cast, molded, … Read more Late 19th century french patinated bronze sculpture of a peasant/shepherd boy

By: unknown
Material: bronze, copper, metal
Technique: cast, molded, patinated, metalwork
Dimensions: 7 in x 6 in x 12 in
Date: late 19th century
Style: Romanticism, Naturalism, Realism
Place of origin: France

This solid bronze sculpture depicts a young peasant boy standing atop a patinated bronze base. His attire is ragged, with torn sleeves and pant legs, and his feet are bare. A wide-brimmed hat sits on his head. In his left arm he clasps a shepherd's staff, while a spilled basket lies near his feet.

The sculpture epitomizes the Realist movement that arose in french art during the late 19th century, which rebelled against the idealized academic styles of the past. Realist sculptors sought to capture the hardships and dignity of the working class. Rather than portraying figures as polished Adonises, Realism explored the humanity of ordinary people. This nameless peasant boy typifies that impulse. Through Realists' unvarnished, naturalistic portrayals of everyday life, the movement paved the way for modern sculpture's focus on contemporary subjects and themes. See less