Gilded Bronze Seated Figure by Pierre Aubert,...

Updated September 22, 2026

French Neoclassical Sculptor. <br><br>45*17*40cm<br><br>Gilt bronze seated figural sculpture by Pierre Aubert, a French Neoclassical sculptor. Drawing upon Greco-Roman philosophical statues as his model, the artist created this work to celebrate reason, philosophy and classical civilisation. In that era, gilt bronze sculptures of this kind served not only as decorative ornaments for aristocratic residences but also as symbols of classical culture collected by Europe's high society during the Grand Tour. In the sculpture, the philosopher leans back upon a classical folding chair, torso slightly turned, eyes cast down in contemplation. He holds a scroll symbolising knowledge and wisdom in his left hand, while his right hand rests on the chairback. The drapery falls in natural, layered folds; the rendering transitions smoothly from fabric clinging to the body to cascading creases, with fluid interplay of light and shadow. Gilding within the recesses of the folds generates deeper shadows, amplifying the three-dimensional form and demonstrating masterful realist skill. The sculpture's details are expressive and powerful. Beneath the seat sits a winged sphinx, symbolising wisdom, riddles and guardianship. A flame-shaped vessel on the left of the plinth represents the flame of knowledge and eternal truth. Even the folding chair occupied by the figure is the seat reserved for Roman consuls, signifying the union of power and wisdom. The entire sculpture was cast as a single piece using the traditional lost-wax method. It bears abundant detail with no obvious seams, exemplifying the pinnacle of French bronze casting from the 19th to early 20th century. The artist Pierre Aubert was born in Lyon, France in 1853. He studied at the -cole des Beaux-Arts de Lyon before continuing his training at the -cole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. He was an important French academic sculptor of the late 19th century, celebrated for Neoclassical historical and philosophical subjects, and particularly renowned for his depictions of Greek and Roman scholars and philosophers. This work bears the artist's signature, preserved complete and intact with normal signs of age, a rare survivor.<br><br><br>ALL PROPERTY IS SOLD AS IS, WHERE IS, WITH NO RETURNS OR CANCELLATIONS.<br><br> Additional photographs and condition reports may be provided upon request as a courtesy only. Any condition report, catalogue description, image, certificate, report, document, authentication statement, authentication opinion, specialist opinion, or communication regarding origin, date, age, attribution, authenticity, authorship, signature, condition, provenance, or value is an opinion only and not a representation, warranty, or assumption of liability by Yakon Auctions.<br><br> The absence of reference to defects, restoration, wear, damage, handling marks, conservation, alteration, or repair does not mean the lot is free from such matters. Photographs are for reference only and may not accurately reflect

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