Auguste Moreau Pair of Late 19th-Century French Figures, “The Shepherd and the Shepherdess”

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Description

From The Dillon Estate. Part of the Dillon family of fine antiques, furnishings, art and jewelry. Signed period pair by … Read more From The Dillon Estate. Part of the Dillon family of fine antiques, furnishings, art and jewelry. Signed period pair by Auguste Moreau (French, 1834 – 1917). Finely modeled 19th-century figures with bronze patina on ebonized wood bases. Exhibiting the romantic naturalism of the Belle Époque. He created them between 1885 and 1900, when Moreau was exhibiting regularly at the Paris Salon, the most prestigious art exhibition of 19th-century France, where acceptance signified an artist’s mastery and earned international recognition among collectors and critics alike.

A beautifully modeled and well-preserved pair of late-19th-century French sculptures by Auguste Moreau (1834 – 1917), titled “The Shepherd and the Shepherdess.” Part of our Dillon family antiques, now up for sale from our family to yours. Enjoy for many years to come.

About the artist: Auguste Moreau, part of the distinguished Moreau family of sculptors, exhibited regularly at the Paris Salon (1861 – 1913) and is celebrated for his romantic depictions of pastoral and allegorical subjects. Companion figures such as these are highly sought after for their artistry and timeless appeal.

The male figure stands confidently with staff in hand, dressed in softly draped attire that conveys quiet strength and dignity. The female companion strides forward gracefully, one arm raised to shade her eyes while a slender shepherd’s crook rests across her shoulders. Together, they embody Moreau’s lyrical vision of harmony between humanity and nature. Amazing detail.

Cast in spelter with a warm bronze patina, each piece displays crisp surface modeling and expressive detail, mounted on circular naturalistic bases with foliate motifs and set upon ebonized original wooden plinths.

The male figure bears the incised signature “Aug. Moreau” and the inscription “Éditeur par Moreau,” confirming a period cast issued under the artist’s direction. The female companion, originally signed, no longer retains a visible signature due to age. Both clearly form an original matching pair in subject, scale, and finish.

French Romantic Naturalism / Academic Realism
Artist: Auguste Moreau (French, 1834 – 1917)
Title: The Shepherd and the Shepherdess
Period: Late 19th Century (c. 1885 – 1900)
Origin: France
Medium: Patinated spelter on ebonized wood bases
Signed: Male figure incised “Aug. Moreau” and “Éditeur par Moreau”; female unsigned (as issued) pair
Condition: Excellent antique condition; minor surface wear consistent with age. Rich, even patina and stable bases.
Provenance: Private collection
Approximate Dimensions: 15.75 inches (40 cm) high × 6 inches (15 cm) wide × 6 inches (15 cm) deep

Excellent antique condition, consistent with age.
Both sculptures retain a rich, even bronze patina with minor surface wear and natural variations expected from pieces of this age (late 19th century).
The ebonized wooden plinths are stable and well-preserved, showing only light handling marks.
No repairs, cracks, or structural damage observed.
Clear incised “Aug. Moreau” and “Éditeur par Moreau” inscription. See less