Antique Henri Chapu \"La Jeunesse\" Bronze Sculpture Relief F. Barbedienne Foundry For Sale

Antique Henri Chapu \"La Jeunesse\" Bronze Sculpture Relief F. Barbedienne Foundry
Item Specifics

• Artist:Henri Michel Antoine Chapu (French, 1833–1891)
• Title of Work:La Jeunesse(Youth)
• Type:Sculpture / High-Relief Plaque
• Format:Statue / Architectural Stele
• Material:Bronze
• Production Technique:Bronze Casting (Sand-Cast)
• Foundry:Ferdinand Barbedienne Foundry (F. BARBEDIENNE. Fondeurstamped on base)
• Signature:Incised signature (h. Chapu) on the lower left base
• Size:Large
• Approximate Dimensions:23 1/2\" H x 7\" W x 6 1/2\" D
• Country/Region of Origin:France
• Time Period Manufactured:Late 19th Century to Early 20th Century
• Subject:Art, Figures, Allegory, Classical Female Form

💎 Rarity & Collector Appeal

• Premium Foundry Lineage:Pieces cast by theFerdinand Barbedienne Foundryare highly coveted by international bronze collectors. Barbedienne was the premier master foundry in 19th-century Paris, known for unmatched chasing, detailing, and patina quality.
• Iconic Subject Matter:La Jeunesseis one of Chapu’s most celebrated masterpieces. While smaller cabinet-sized versions (around 10\"-12\") appear occasionally on the market, thislarge 23.5-inch variantis significantly scarcer and holds substantial command as a centerpiece.
• Excellent Structural State:Finding this high-relief casting with its original complex internal stabilizing plates, perimeter mounting tabs, and intact architectural structure makes it a prime investment piece.

📝 Item Description from the SellerTitle:Antique French Patinated Bronze Relief Sculpture -La Jeunesse(Youth) by Henri-Michel-Antoine Chapu (1833–1891).Foundry Markings & Authenticity:
This exceptional, large-scale bronze sculpture features the clear, incised artist signature\"h. Chapu\"on the lower-left corner of the base. The rear edge is crisp-stamped with the prestigious foundry mark:\"F. BARBEDIENNE. Fondeur\", guaranteeing its historic Parisian workshop origins. The hollow reverse displays classic 19th-century sand-casting textures, handwritten workshop numbers, and the original internal bronze reinforcement plate secured by period-correct screws.Artistic Composition:
A masterpiece of classical high-relief sculpture. The work portrays an elegantly draped young woman leaning with strenuous, dynamic tension against a monument wall to offer a laurel branch. The piece beautifully contrasts the smooth, finely chased anatomy of the female form and fluid \"wet drapery\" folds against a rugged, rough-hewn stone facade.Condition Report:
The sculpture is in very nice antique condition, exhibiting a rich, deep chocolate-brown patina. It shows honest, age-appropriate surface wear, minor dust in the crevices, and light verdigris oxidation/residue around the toes and deeper drapery folds, which underscores its genuine age. No structural cracks, breaks, or repairs. It stands securely and looks magnificent from both side profiles.Dimensions:
Measures approximately 23 1/2\" Height x 7\" Width x 6 1/2\" Depth.🎨 About the Artist: Henri-Michel-Antoine ChapuHenri-Michel-Antoine Chapu (French, 1833–1891)was one of the most celebrated and decorated French neoclassical sculptors of the late 19th century. A student of the École des Beaux-Arts, he won the prestigiousPrix de Romein 1855, cementing his path toward major state commissions.Chapu was widely admired for bringing a softer, deeply emotional naturalism to traditional classical forms, steering French sculpture gracefully into the dawn of the Art Nouveau movement. His famous works includeJoan of Arc at Domrémy(now in the Musée d\'Orsay) and his allegorical figures for the Paris Opera House.The Story Behind \"La Jeunesse\":
The original monumental marble version ofLa Jeunessewas sculpted around 1875 for the monument dedicated to the young French painter Henri Regnault, who tragically died at age 27 in the Franco-Prussian War. The figure reaching upward to offer a laurel branch symbolizes Youth mourning a fallen contemporary while bestowing immortal glory upon his legacy. Following its immense success at the Paris Salon, the Barbedienne foundry was authorized to produce these high-fidelity reductions for fine estates.
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