French Art Deco Bronze Figural Man
with Eagle Statue
Sculptor / Artist: Louis Riche
Circa 1930's, France 
Wonderful, large scale rare bronze
sculpture depicting an athletically built man,
fending off a large eagle who is perched above him on a boulder,
wings spread
with a defensive pose. The man is nude, except for a fur loincloth, with
his broken spear in hand,
holding up in defense. The other half of his spear is lying by his
side, likely broken in battle.
His expression shows respect for the
eagle and personal
strength to prevail.
As with most of Riche's work, this bronze shows
his great attention to
detail and skill as a sculptor.
Signed in the marquette: L. Riche
Dimensions: 29 1/4" wide, 21 3/4"
high (eagle wing, the man's head is 12 3/4" high), 11" deep.
Condition: In excellent original
condition.
Item # DAS74:
Price: $ 8,900.
Bio: Louis Riche
(May 29, 1877-1949) Known as one of 'the Animaliers' in sculpture
during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Riche first exhibited at
the Salon in Paris was in 1896 at the early age of nineteen years.
The Parisian born sculptor became very famous for his realistic
bronze statues depicting animals, specializing in dogs-specifically
his personal favorite, German Shepherds.
He exhibited at the
Salons throughout the years, into the 20th Century, with the only
interruption being World Wars I & II. He worked mainly with the
Thiebault Freres foundry for his bronze castings, but some of his
silver sculptures (of lions) were cast by Risler and Carre. Riche is
noted in numerous books on the subject of bronze sculptures,
including "Les Animaliers" by Jane Horswell and "The Animaliers" by
James Mackay. During the Art Deco era his sculptures sometimes
included humans, usually with an animal. This eagle with man bronze
is one of those rare sculptures.
Additional pictures below:
