Rare and museum-quality antique French bronze relief wall plaque commemorating one of the most significant dates in French republican history "” 14 Juillet 1880, the date Bastille Day was officially declared France's national holiday by law.

The subject: Marianne, the allegorical personification of the French Republic, depicted in dramatic high relief in left-facing profile, wearing her iconic Phrygian (liberty) cap. The inscription reads "République Française / 14 Juillet 1880."

The maker: Signed in script on the lower edge "” Jules Graux Fondeur, one of the most prestigious Parisian bronze foundries of the 19th century. Established in 1845, the Jules Graux foundry (based at 8 rue du Parc-Royal, Paris) was described at the 1878 Paris International Exhibition as "one of the most eminent bronze manufacturers in Paris." The foundry cast works for celebrated sculptors including Carrier-Belleuse and Carpeaux.

The piece:

"• Material: Solid cast bronze with warm golden patina

"• Diameter: 12 inches

"• Weight: 3 pounds

"• Condition: Normal age-appropriate surface wear and patina; no cracks, losses, or repairs

This is not a reproduction. It is a genuine period piece cast in or shortly after 1880 to mark the formal establishment of Bastille Day "” a directly datable, historically significant antique with a fully documented maker.

An exceptional display piece for collectors of French antiques, political history, Belle Époque decorative arts, or 19th-century bronze.


Condition:
Alterations: Original Condition Unaltered
Imperfections: Some Imperfections
Condition Notes: Used - some wear consistent with age. Please see photos.

Dimensions:
Height: 12 in.
Width: 12 in.
Depth: 2 in.

Category: Sculptural Wall Objects
Origin: France
Materials: Metal

Shipping:

Domestic: Flat-rate of $39.00 to anywhere within the contiguous U.S.

International: No International Shipping for this auction.

Combined shipping: Please ask about combined shipping for multiple lots before bidding.

Location: This item ships from Thousand Oaks, CA

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In the rare event that the item did not conform to the lot description in the sale, Chairish Auctions specialists are here to help. Buyers may return the item for a full refund provided you notify Chairish Auctions within 5 days of receiving the item.

Original Condition Unaltered; Some Imperfections; Used - some wear consistent with age. Please see photos.