Late 19th Century Figural Bronze Of A Lady In Thought Signed

Bronze Signed E Delesalle - 1823-1851
Late 19th
Lady in thought leaning on a pillar
On octagonal base
26.5cm high
In excellent condition

Delesalle is first mentioned in the 1862 Annuaire General du Commerce where they are noted as operating at 41, boulevard du Temple and 14, rue Beranger as a fabricator of bronzes. However, it is not entirely known whether they were truly fabricators of bronze sculpture or instead acted as editeurs, curating and marketing works cast by other foundries. In all probability, like many of their contemporaries, they performed both roles. The company went bankrupt in 1874, at which point all of their models were sold at auction. For further information on Delesalle, see "The Founders and Editors of the Barye Bronzes" by J.G. Reinis, where the firm is discussed briefly with some examples of their various signatures.