Louis Vidal, Statue of the Goddess Abundantia, 1800s, Bronze

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A beautiful bronze sculpture depicting Abundantia, the Roman goddess of abundance, prosperity, and wealth. She holds a basket filled with … Read more A beautiful bronze sculpture depicting Abundantia, the Roman goddess of abundance, prosperity, and wealth. She holds a basket filled with grapes and fish, symbolizing the cornucopia – the horn of plenty – while she is accompanied by two cherubs and a swan, representing the richness of earth and water, fertility, nourishment, happiness, and protection of the home.

Such figures were often placed near entrance doors to invite abundance into the household and were also commonly positioned near safes or cash registers, as Abundantia was believed to protect wealth and bring prosperity.

The sculptor himself is equally fascinating: Louis Vidal (1831–1892), also known as dit Vidal le Borgne (“Vidal the Blind”), was a visually impaired French sculptor who trained himself to sculpt through touch alone. Despite his physical limitation, he created works of remarkable anatomical precision and expressive detail, becoming a respected and admired artist of the 19th century. He is best known for his realist and neoclassical style, as well as his animal sculptures (notably bulls and horses) and collaborations with greats such as Auguste Rodin.

This statue is therefore an exceptional collector’s piece, rich in symbolism and offering the rare chance to own a work by one of the most intriguing French artists of the 19th century. This piece has an attribution mark,
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