Théodore RIVIERE (1857-1912)

Lot 10
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Estimation :
40000 - 60000 EUR
Théodore RIVIERE (1857-1912)
Salammbô at Mathô A chryselephantine sculpture in bronze with a brown patina shaded with antique green and ivory Signed Théodore Rivière", annotated Susse Frères éditions Paris and bears two circular stamps of the founder Model created in 1896 H : 64 cm Extremely rare proof in this size. Bibliography : Pierre Kjellberg "les bronzes du XIXe siecle" les éditions de l'amateur France 1996, similar model reproduced on page 572 The subject of the work is taken from Gustave Flaubert's novel, Salammbô, published in 1862. The story takes place between 241 and 238 BC, during the war waged by Carthage against its revolting mercenaries. The Libyan Mâthô, leader of the barbarian soldiers, is in love with Salammbô, the daughter of his Carthaginian enemy Hamilcar Barca. Rivière has chosen the moment when, massacred by the people, Mâthô expires at the feet of the beautiful girl, shouting: "I love you! I love you!". The femme fatale character that is Salammbô inspired many other symbolist artists. This statuette caused a sensation at the 1895 Salon. Many copies were made in bronze and biscuit, i.e. matt white porcelain. Musée d'Orsay Théodore RIVIÈRE, a pupil of Joufroy, Falguière and, for five years, Mercié, was both an architect and a sculptor; he is considered to be one of the main orientalist sculptors of the late 19th century. Allegory, mythology, history and, more particularly, the character of Salammbô dominate the work of this artist. His attraction to orientalism became apparent in 1890 during a stay in Tunisia where he was teaching drawing. Thereafter, he realized symbolist sculptures as well as portraits of personalities before sculpting statues and monuments for Indochina. The sculpture we present is rare on the market, the same model but of smaller dimensions is in the permanent collections of the Musée d'Orsay in Paris.
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