Large & superb quality 19thc bronze 'Pax et Labor'

A large superb quality late 19th century French bronze of fine patina by Emile Louis Picault (1833-1915) 'Pax et Labor', this ttranslating to 'Peace & Labour', marked 'Picault' - ADDITIONAL IMAGES CAN BE VIEWED BELOW:

This bronze consists of a muscular blacksmith or riveter who is used to very hard and physical work, he wears leather aprons with his sledge hammer resting on the ground, the bronze stands on a shaped green verde antico marble base.      

The marble base having a brass plaque with the following inscription in French, translated as follows:

'Mr A Cocquel has offered it's ousiers and emplyees in honour of the First Prize, the gold medal which was awarded to him by the jury.

Paris World Exhibition 1889'

As well as the 'Picault' mark we have found what is possibly a foundry mark 'Basset Editeur'.

The French sculptor, Picault, was particularly known for creating sculptures that depicted patriotic or allegorical subjects.

This bronze can be found in the Schiffer book 'Bronzes, Sculptors & Founders 1800-1930' Volume 2 by Harold Berman, page 378, plate 1396.

This impressive bronze sculpture is in excellent condition and can go straight into a home.