French school; second half of the 19th century.

French school; second half of the 19th century.
"Muses".
Bronze and marble.
Measurements: 55 x 17 x 17 cm (x2).
Pair of bronze sculptures that sit on a marble base. Both represent a lady, dressed in the classical manner and carrying a musical instrument that stands out for its golden finish. Bronze statuary reached a remarkable relevance in 19th century France, a period marked by significant social, political and cultural changes. This boom can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the revival of interest in classical antiquity, the search for national identity, and advances in bronze casting techniques. During this time, neoclassicism established itself as a predominant artistic movement, promoting the imitation of the models of Greek and Roman Antiquity. This revival was spurred by archaeological excavations at sites such as Pompeii and Herculaneum, which revealed the beauty and refinement of classical works. French artists, influenced by these works, began to create bronze sculptures that reflected the aesthetics and values of the classical era. This return to the classical was not only a search for formal beauty, but also an aspiration to the ideals of virtue, heroism and wisdom that characterized ancient civilizations.
In this context, the muses became emblematic figures of artistic inspiration and creativity. In Greek mythology, the muses were the presiding deities of the arts and sciences, and their representation in statuary reflected artists' desire to connect their work with divine sources of inspiration. Bronze sculptures of muses were not only decorative, but symbolized a deep respect for cultural tradition and a desire to transcend mere imitation.
In addition, industrialization and the development of new casting techniques during the 19th century facilitated the production of bronze statues. This allowed sculptors to experiment with different shapes and sizes, which contributed to the popularization of these works in public spaces, parks and gardens. Bronze sculptures began to adorn not only museums, but also urban and private spaces, becoming symbols of culture and knowledge in French society.