French school of the second half of the 19th century

French school of the second half of the 19th century.
"Androcles and the lion".
Patinated bronze; gilded bronze; Siena marble.
Measurements: 58 x 51 x 21; 8 x 54 x 24 (pedestal).

Sculpture in patinated bronze that captures the moment in which the slave Androcles, in the middle of his flight through the forest, escaping from his master, comes across a badly wounded lion and heals its paw, removing a thorn that had stuck in it. The fable of Androcles and the lion is a classic story attributed to the writer Aesop, although it was also told by other authors such as Aulus Gellius and appears in the writings of Phaedrus.

In gratitude for the slave's help, the lion becomes his faithful friend, protecting him. Some time later, when Androcles is captured and condemned to be thrown to the lions in the Roman circus, one of the beasts about to devour him turns out to be the lion he helped in the forest. Instead of ending his life, the animal recognizes him and licks him affectionately. The audience, amazed by the scene, calls for the release of Androcles and the lion.