CondéDavid D'Angers · 1817

Identification of the Sculpture Condé

The bronze sculpture titled Condé was created by the French artist David d'Angers in 1817. This work is a representation of François Gérard, Marquis de Condé. The subject of the piece was a Huguenot noble who defended the Protestant faith during the Wars of Religion.

David d'Angers executed this work during a period of neoclassical production. The sculpture is currently held at the Louvre in Paris, France. It occupies a position within the museum's collection as a bronze figure of a heroic subject.

Visual Composition and Subject Matter

The sculpture depicts a seated figure positioned upon a simple pedestal. The subject, identified as François Gérard, Marquis de Condé, is rendered in a posture of repose and dignity. One arm is raised in a gesture that suggests either authority or solace, while the other arm rests upon the thigh. This physical arrangement conveys a sense of steadfast resilience. The overall atmosphere of the work is elegant, characterized by a controlled and calm presence.

The composition focuses on the interplay between the human form and the drapery. The figure's skin is rendered with a smooth surface, providing a visual contrast to the heavy, textured folds of the draped fabric. This arrangement of textures emphasizes the anatomical precision of the subject. The pose is dynamic yet maintains a sense of stillness, capturing a moment of quiet strength through the tension in the limbs and the weight of the garments.

Materials and Artistic Techniques

This tall bronze sculpture is characterized by a sophisticated command of bronze casting and surface texture. The artist employs a controlled patina to establish a sense of depth across the work. This chemical treatment of the metal creates variations in tone that define the contours of the figure. The material choice allows for a precise execution of the anatomical details and the structural requirements of the seated pose.

A deliberate contrast exists between the different surface treatments applied to the bronze. The rendering of the skin is smooth, providing a clear surface that catches the light in a steady manner. In opposition to this smoothness, the draped fabric is treated with heavy, textured folds. These tactile variations in the metal emphasize the physical presence of the garment and the underlying form. The interplay between the polished areas and the roughened, textured sections defines the visual boundaries of the figure.