19th Century French Bronze Sculpture, the Strong Man, Circa 1880

This impressive and unusual bronze sculpture is by the Belgian sculptor Leon Mignon (1847 - 1898).

It represents The strong, who were few in number, and were recognized at first sight by the "coltin": a large characteristic hat in yellow leather with very wide brims and equipped with a lead cap inside, which allowed them to support heavy loads. "stuck" on the head and which protected it, as well as the neck and the shoulders.

As a distinctive sign between them, the strong wore, on the lapel of their blouse, a rectangular plate - silver or copper - with the arms of Paris, indicating their title of "Fort" and engraved with their surname.

To carry the loads to Les Halles there were also other employees: the porters or carriers, dressed in a blouse and wearing a cap. They were in charge of chores on the “carreau des Halles”, the space around the pavilions where the open-air sale took place.

It is very well modelled with good detail to the characterful face which is finished in gilt. The figure stands on a raised circular plinth that bears the signature L Mignon and has a Brussels foundry mark for R.G Debraze at the back. This piece is in good condition and has a dark brown patination to the plinth and in contrast, the figure is in dark green. Circa 1870

Léon Mignon was born in 1847 in Liège and died on September 30 1898 in Schaerbeek, is a Belgian sculptor.

He was trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Liège, where he was a pupil of Prosper Drion, he exhibited his first works at the Salon de Ghent. He worked in Italy (1872-1875).

He settled in 1876 in the vicinity of Paris in the company of the sculptor Paul De Vigne before settling permanently in Schaerbeek. Léon Mignon wins the gold medal at the Paris Salon for his sculpture The Bull Tamer (Li Tore)

Robert Belcher Antiques was established in 1984 and is a high-quality retailer of interesting, rare antiques and decorative objects. After forty years of shop keeping and maintaining beautiful showrooms, which have been regularly open six days a week, Robert and Wendy have now taken a slightly different approach to their business. Having sold their retail premises, the antique business is now fully online. The picture framing service has ceased to operate because of moving online.

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