Ernest Rancoulet: A sculpture in gilt bronze of Jean de la Fontaine in the Baroque style, showing the fabulist wearing a full wig and frock coat, and seated on a gnarled tree stump in mid declamation, holding a book on his knee and looking out, the book engraved ‘la Fontaine’, engraved to the back ‘Rancoulet’. French, circa 1880.
Jean de la Fontaine (1621-1695) is one of France’s best known poets; his ‘Fables’ are what he is most remembered for.
Ernest Rancoulet (1842-1915) was a French sculptor most known for making neoclassical and historical figures and society women.
Condition: Overall very good, the sculpture is in very good condition with no damage or marks, the gilding is in very good condition with very little wear, and overall the sculpture has a pleasing patination consistent with its age.
Measurements:
Height = 27 cm (10.5”)
Length = 23 cm (9”)