A patinated bronze sculpture of a blacksmith. Signed C. Marioton and titled "le travail" on the pedestal. The sculpture is created by the French artist Claudius Marioton (1844-1919). It is a powerful and realistic representation of a blacksmith, a respectful depiction of a worker, a theme that was very fashionable around 1900.Designed in classic style, ut combines the strength and skill of this athletic man. It also refers to the heroic, divine smiths in classical mythology, such as Hephaestus or Vulcan.Beautiful portrayal of the muscles. All the details such as the leather apron, the wild hair, the beard and the classic facial features are finely modelled. Very good condition. Height: 40 cm. Weight: 5.7 kgLike his older brother Eugène, Claudius Marioton (1844-1919) is one of the best well-known and most successful sculptors and medallists of his time. He was educated at the Paris Art Academy. From 1873 until his death he exhibited regularly at the Salon of Paris where he received various honourable mentions and medals. At the 1889 World Exhibition he won two gold and one silver medals. For his work he was knighted in 1895 in the 'Ordre national de la Légion d'honneur', the highest and most important French distinction. The Museum of Decorative Arts in Paris has a few works made by him, including the award-winning "Diogenes".A relief that symbolically represents the city of Lyon is located in the Town Hall of Paris.(Ref. Wikipedia and more).