French school; Late 19th century, c. 1900

French school; Late 19th century, c. 1900.
"Expert antiquarian".
Patinated bronze.
Measurements: 46 x 20 x 14 cm.
Bronze sculpture belonging to the French school of the nineteenth century. The piece depicts a young man in a reflective pose, resting his chin on his right hand, while his left hand holds what appears to be a small, round object- The figure is dressed in attire that suggests a humble origin or a manual laborer status. The clothing, although not luxurious, presents details such as folds and textures, which denote the sculptor's skill in handling bronze.
The sculpture rests on a base that simulates a rocky terrain, adding realism and context to the scene. The bronze casting technique demonstrates high quality, as fine details can be appreciated in the figure and the base. In terms of style, there is an influence of realism, with a detailed and naturalistic representation of the human figure. However, there is also a touch of idealism in the pose and expression of the young man.