Lot#172 A Young Bladesmith French Antique Bronze Sculpture by Adrien-Etienne Gaudez (French, 1845-1902) This 19th C Patinated bronze is signed in base with foundry mark. The subject item a an exceptional antique French bronze sculpture posing a young sword maker examining how to remedy a damaged sword. The slightly bent tip of the sword is original to the casting - not later damage. Created by well-listed and noted sculptor, Adrien Etienne Gaudez, the solitary figure is crisply cast and chased, even the tiniest details filed by hand for a flawless finished surface. The sculpture is finished in a rich brown chemical patination shows hints of the more golden bronze hues in edges of relief. 

The figure shows a practiced and experienced smith, posed with his forging hammer, his leather smock folded back exposing the legs, each ripple and crease of the garb captured with stunning accuracy. Each tool and the scrolled plans scattered across the naturalistic base are nearly perfect representations of reality. 

 The plaque reads "ASCANIO A Gaudez HORS-CONCOURS", which indicated that Gaudez was able to present his models at Salon while bypassing the required jurying for the exhibition.

 He won a third class medal at the Salon of 1884 and the first class medal in 1881. His works are held in major museums around the world including Valence, Louviers and Clermont-Ferrand 23 Inches high Tall and heavy A small reserve is in place on this auction item
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