Large Auguste Louis Moreau «Le Triomphe» Sculpture on Marble Base (1133)

SET:
Height: 75 cm

Height: 75 cm Width: ~ 40 cm

Louis Moreau sculpture “Le Triomphe” with a historical trophy plaque

The Two Lives of Triumph, Louis Moreau (Auguste Louis Moreau) and Paris 1942: In the late 19th century, in his Parisian workshop, the renowned sculptor Louis Moreau meticulously crafted this dynamic figure, preparing it for the prestigious “Salon des Beaux Arts” exhibition. He aimed to capture the classical ideal of victory – an athletic youth triumphantly raising a laurel wreath and a branch of peace. For the artist, this work, which he named “Le Triomphe” (The Triumph), was an ode to human strength, beauty, and the greatness of spirit, forever immortalized in heavy metal with a bronze patina.

However, decades later, in 1942, this same sculpture gained a completely new, historical breath. In the shadow of World War II and the occupation of Paris, life and sports continued as a silent symbol of resistance and endurance. This massive, 75-centimeter-high figure with a heavy green marble base became the main traveling trophy for amateur competitions in the Parisian suburbs (“Circuit Amateur de Paris-Banlieue”). Imagine the moment when the exhausted but happy winner in the industrial area of Argenteuil-Bezons lifted this trophy in his hands – the artwork had become a true testament to triumph, won with sweat and tears in the hardest of times.

Introduction and Origin This is an exceptionally large and heavy antique sculpture created by the famous sculptor Auguste Louis Mathurin Moreau (1855–1919). The base of the sculpture bears the artist’s signature “Louis Moreau” and the inscription “Salon Beaux Arts,” which confirms its artistic significance. The sculpture is made of patinated metal (characteristic of régule castings of that time), masterfully imitating classic bronze. The base is adorned with a beautiful, thick block of green marble.

Design and Decor The work depicts an athletic, nude youth with drapery over his shoulder, standing in a dynamic and triumphant pose on a rocky base. In his right hand, he holds a raised laurel wreath of victory, and in his left, an olive/palm branch. The front of the sculpture features an ornate metal cartouche plaque with the title “LE TRIOMPHE.” The most unique detail of this item is the brass plaque attached to the marble base, which reads: “CIRCUIT AMATEUR DE PARIS-BANLIEUE 1942 / CHALLENGE DU GROUPEMENT DES INDUSTRIELS / D’ARGENTEUIL – BEZONS”.

Application Thanks to its impressive dimensions (75 cm height) and considerable weight, this sculpture is a dominant interior element. It will look excellent in a spacious hall, a classic study, on a fireplace, or a massive wooden pedestal, serving both as a work of art and as a unique historical testimony.

Condition Excellent antique condition with a beautiful, authentic patina of time. Both the figure and the marble base are intact and stable. There are only minor, natural signs of wear in the patination, which add additional character to such a historical object. The condition of the item is fully reflected in the photographs.