French Bronze With Original Gallery Pedestal by Gustav Frédéric Michel, 1896

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Monumental late 19th-century French bronze, "La Pensée" (Thought), also known as "Excelsior," by Gustave Frédéric Michel (1851–1924). Cast by the … Read more Monumental late 19th-century French bronze, "La Pensée" (Thought), also known as "Excelsior," by Gustave Frédéric Michel (1851–1924). Cast by the renowned F. Barbedienne Foundry, Paris, the work bears the incised signature “G. Michel” and retains the round “Réduction Mécanique A. Collas / F. Barbedienne” pastille or foundry mark, confirming it as an original Barbedienne casting.

The allegorical figure is richly modeled: a seated woman draped in classical robes, resting on a lectern with lyre, dove, globe, and shield inscribed “EXCELSIOR” (Latin: “ever upward”). These symbols evoke wisdom, aspiration, and artistic inspiration — hallmarks of the Belle Époque.

Michel’s work is stylistically aligned with the allegories of Mathurin Moreau, Jean-Baptiste Carpeaux, and Carrier-Belleuse.

Although virtually unknown today, Michel was one of the most famous sculptors of the first decades of the twentieth century in France (Wikipedia). His bronzes were prized in Paris exhibitions and remain rare on the market.

The bronze is presented on its original exhibition-quality pedestal, crafted in fine hardwood with gilt and patinated spiral Corinthian columns and topped with a granite surface. The pedestal alone is a statement piece, designed to elevate the sculpture to architectural importance in any interior.

Dimensions:
Bronze: 27" H × 16" W × 12" D
Pedestal: 46.75" H × 20" W × 20" D (granite top 18" square)
Total height (bronze + pedestal): 73.75" See less