Description
A finely detailed Belle Époque bronze depicting a Renaissance armourer at work
From our bronze sculpture collection, we are delighted to offer this French 19th century bronze figure Repousseur de la Renaissance, signed by Ernest Rancoulet (1843–1915).
This finely cast and chased bronze portrays a Renaissance armourer seated at his bench, hammer in hand, working on a decorated gauntlet. His vice, tools and already made shield featuring the head of Medusa are all rendered with exceptional precision, capturing the atmosphere of the armourer’s craft.The circular base bears the inscription Repousseur de la Renaissance meaning “Armourer of the Renaissance.” The bronze is signed Rancoulet beneath the tools, affirming the sculptor.
Dating to circa 1890 during the Belle Époque period, this sculpture is a superb example of Ernest Rancoulet’s detailed and characterful work, admired for its lifelike presence and historic subject matter.
Ernest Rancoulet (1870-1915)
Ernest Rancoulet was a French sculptor known for his allegorical, mythological and figurative bronze works during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His sculptures such as Hercules, Athena and Cerberus depicting the twelfth labor of Hercules show his mastery of classical themes while also reflecting the flowing dynamism of Art Nouveau.
Rancoulet’s bronzes are admired for their realism, grace and fine detailing particularly in the portrayal of movement and the human form. Many of his works were produced in limited editions with some designed as paired figures including dancers, heralds and gardeners each offering a complementary perspective of the same subject. Today Ernest Rancoulet’s sculptures remain highly prized examples of Belle Époque design.
For further information please see our makers and retailers page on Ernest Rancoulet.
BRONZE
Bronze has been one of the most widely used materials in art and design for centuries, valued for its strength, durability, and ability to capture fine detail. Popular from ancient civilisations to the 19th century, bronze has been used for statues, decorative objects, and functional pieces alike. In the late 19th century, artists in Vienna, including Franz Xaver Bergmann, perfected the technique of cold-painting, adding rich layers of colour to bronze without firing. This innovation, along with the timeless appeal of bronze’s patina and texture, ensures that antique bronze objects remain highly collectible today.
For further information please see our article Bronze Sculpture: History, Composition, and Casting Techniques.
BELLE ÉPOQUE PERIOD (1871–1914)
The Belle Époque, meaning “Beautiful Era,” was a golden age of French and European culture, spanning from 1871 to 1914. This period was defined by optimism, innovation, and artistic achievement, particularly in Paris, the centre of fashion, decorative arts, and design. Art Nouveau flourished, alongside exquisite creations in silver, bronze, glass, and jewellery, produced by celebrated makers for an international audience. Collectors prize Belle Époque pieces for their elegance, refined detail, and the way they reflect the cultural sophistication of late 19th and early 20th-century France.
For further information please see our article The Belle Époque Era in France: Art, Antiques and a Golden Age of Creativity.
MEASUREMENTS
66cm High x 32.5cm Diameter (26 x 12.8 Inches)
CONDITION
Very Good with general antique wear consistent with age including scratches and some verdigris to the face and arm.
With every purchase from Jacksons Antique, you will receive our latest product guide, certificate of authenticity, full tracking information so you can monitor your shipment from start to finish and our personal no-hassle, money-back policy giving you that extra confidence when purchasing. Don’t forget to sign up to our free monthly newsletter for 10% off your first online purchase.
