CA0742 Rare French Directoire bronze of Paul et Virginie

Important late 18th / early 19th Century French Directoire bronze statue based on the popular romantic novel set in Mauritius, 'Paul et Virginie' by Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre, published in 1788. The novel, inspired by the writings of Jean-Jacques Rousseau was hugely popular in Revolutionary France. This pair of figures are identical to ones found on important Directoire period 'Au Bon Sauvage' clocks of the same subject matter.  Dark patinated bronze on a sustantial Rouge Giotte Marbre block base. France, circa 1800.

H 25cm x W 14cm x D 10.5cm