Paul Dubois – Maternité, 19th Century French Gilded Bronze
Artist: Paul Dubois (French, 1829–1905)
Foundry: F. Barbedienne, Paris
Medium: Gilded Bronze
Date: Late 19th Century
Dimensions: [Insert dimensions]
Condition: Excellent original patina
Price: [Insert price or inquire]
A moving and elegant depiction of maternal grace, this fine 19th-century gilded bronze titled Maternité is by acclaimed French sculptor Paul Dubois. Cast by the renowned Barbedienne Foundry, the sculpture reflects Dubois’s refined academic style and classical sensibility, capturing the quiet intimacy between mother and child with remarkable sensitivity.
The warm, luminous gilding and exquisite detail are hallmarks of the Barbedienne atelier, known for producing some of the finest bronzes of the 19th century. This work is a superb example of French Academic sculpture, ideal for collectors of historic bronzes or classical French art.
About the Artist: Paul Dubois (1829–1905)
Paul Dubois was a celebrated French sculptor and painter, admired for his ability to harmonize classical tradition with human emotion. Born in Nogent-sur-Seine, he studied law before pursuing art at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. After further training in Rome, Dubois developed a refined style rooted in the ideals of the Renaissance and classical antiquity.
He gained prominence at the Paris Salon, where he won several medals and became a member of the Académie des Beaux-Arts. Dubois’s work often portrayed allegorical and religious subjects with poetic realism. In recognition of his artistic achievements, he was awarded the Legion of Honour, France’s highest civil distinction. Today, his sculptures are held in major museums including the Musée d’Orsay and the Musée Paul Dubois-Alfred Boucher, named in his honor.
About the Foundry: F. Barbedienne, Paris
Founded in 1838 by Ferdinand Barbedienne (1810–1892), the Barbedienne Foundry became one of the most prestigious bronze foundries in Europe. Renowned for its technical excellence, the foundry collaborated with leading 19th-century sculptors—including Dubois, Barye, and Rodin—to produce limited-edition bronze casts of the highest quality.
Barbedienne was especially known for perfecting the art of bronze reduction, allowing large-scale sculptures to be reproduced in smaller formats without compromising detail or proportion. The foundry’s name is now synonymous with 19th-century bronze casting at its finest, and signed Barbedienne works remain highly collectible for their superb craftsmanship and historical importance.
 
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