Fine Antique French School Bronze Sculpture Statue of Christopher Columbus 1870

An exceptional late 19th-century French School patinated bronze sculpture depicting a seated Christopher Columbus; the legendary maritime explorer, circa 1870. The bronze sculpture is finely cast using the 'Lost Wax' process (Cire Perdue). It shows Columbus in a moment of deep, somber contemplation. Finely cast by the French School, this academic romantic work captures Columbus dressed in period attire, resting against a ship's mooring bollard. Columbus is depicted with a full beard, wearing traditional period attire including a cap and a draped cape, with his sword tucked between his legs. He rests his chin thoughtfully on his hand, he is seated directly on a coiled ship's rope next to a nautical capstan (mooring post), the explorer's feet resting on a large ship's anchor. The bronze is very finely cast and is has a deep rich patina. This very handsome, powerful bronze sculpture from the 1870s is ready to display and be enjoyed.