REF NO : B77580

Emile-Louis Picault

A Fine Pair of Patinated Bronze Figures Of The Egyptian High Priest ‘Pastophore’ and The Egyptian Scribe ‘Hierogrammate’

France, Circa 1880

£38,000

A Fine Pair of Patinated Bronze Figures Of The Egyptian High Priest 'Pastophore' and The Egyptian Scribe 'Hierogrammate' By Emile Louis Picault (French,...

Dimensions

Height: 53 cm (21 in)
Width: 15 cm (6 in)
Depth: 15 cm (6 in)
REF NO : B77580

Description

A Fine Pair of Patinated Bronze Figures Of The Egyptian High Priest ‘Pastophore’ and The Egyptian Scribe ‘Hierogrammate’ By Emile Louis Picault (French, 1833-1915).

Each signed ‘Picault’.

Gilt and patinated bronze. Red and black marble.
Made as part of a limited edition attributed to Georges Émile Henri Servant.

The figures of an Ancient Egyptian Priest and Scribe are cast in gilt and rich patinated bronze which highlights the contrast between skin and clothing. An added touch of opulence is given by the red marble elements to the vase and attribute that they hold.

A Pastophorus is a type of priest in ancient Egypt, responsible for carrying holy shrines in official ceremonies or processions. A Hierogrammat is a writer of sacred records especially in hieroglyphics.

Emile Picault was inspired to sculpt his Priest and Scribe figures with reference to Ancient Egyptian antiquities such as the ‘Priest of Bastet’ statue (Musée du Louvre, E 10777).

Emile Picault was inspired to sculpt his Priest and Scribe figures with reference to Ancient Egyptian antiquities such as the ‘Priest of Bastet’ statue (Musée du Louvre, E 10777).

Picault was a student of Louis Royer and exhibited a wide genre of sculpture at the Paris
Salon from 1860 to 1909. His Egyptian figures, of Queens and Pharaohs and Priests and Priestesses, are amongst his most popular works. They follow in the tradition of ethnographic decorative sculpture in France during the late Nineteenth Century and the fashion for Egyptian subjects which followed Napoleon’s campaigns in the Nile delta. The overly ornate head-dresses, complicated pleats and accessories echo the romantic ideals of the late 19th century.

The fondeur and bronzier Georges Servant was recorded at 137, rue Vieille-du-Temple,
Paris. He specialized in the Greek and Egyptian Revival style and was a medallist at the
major international exhibitions between 1867 and 1887.

These figures of ‘Pastophore’ and ‘Hierogrammate’ were cast in two sizes. The present examples measuring 53 cm. high. A related pair are preserved collection of Aberystwyth University School of Art Museum and Galleries.

France, Circa 1880.

 

Date

Circa 1880

Origin

France

Medium

Gilt & Patinated Bronze

Signature

Each signed 'Picault'.

Emile-Louis Picault

Émile Louis Picault (1833–1915) was one of the most accomplished Orientalist sculptors in the nineteenth Century, best known for works depicting allegorical and patriotic subjects, and mythological heroes.

He trained under Louis Royer and exhibited at the Salon between 1863 and 1909.

His Egyptian figures, of Queens and Pharaoh’s and Priests and Priestesses, were amongst his most popular works and followed in the tradition of ethnographic decorative sculpture favoured in France during the late nineteenth century. The fashion for Egyptian iconography followed on from Napoleon’s successful campaigns in the Nile delta (1791-1801), influencing design and subject matter in all areas of the applied and fine arts.

Picault was a prolific and commercially successful sculptor employing the finest French foundries for casting his sculptures, all of which were exhibited as bronzes. Many were cast by the celebrated firms of Susse Frères, Houdebine, and Colin.

Bronzes by Picault feature in the collections of the Museum of Chambery, ‘Le Semur d’Ides’; The Museum of Clemont Ferrard, ‘Hebe’ and The Museum of Mauberge, ‘Le Devoir’.

Bibliography:
Kjellberg, Pierre. Les Bronzes du XIXe siècle, Les Editions de l’Amateur. (Paris), 1986; p 542-3.

Forrest, Micheal. Art Bronzes, Schiffer Publications Ltd., (Pennsylvania), 1981.

 

Literature

Kjellberg, Pierre. Les Bronzes du XIXe siècle, Les Editions de l’Amateur. (Paris), 1986; p 542-3.

 

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