19th century bronze sculpture - The bell founders of the Middle Ages - Albert Lefeurvre -19"

This unusual sculpture dates from the nineteenth century and is titiled "Les fondeurs du cloche"or the bell making blacksmithss. Two men, made from pewter carry the inverted bronze bell (full scale). Note the decor on the bell itself including a repeated fleur de lys pattern, and a variety of charaters in relief.  It is signed on the side of the bell. This was sourced from the private collection of a notable Parisian family.

Louis Étienne Marie Albert-Lefeuvre (1843-1924), born in Paris, was a distinguished French sculptor known for his allegorical works. He was a student of prominent sculptors Augustin-Alexandre Dumont and Jean Alexandre Joseph Falguière. Lefeuvre began exhibiting his works in 1875, with pieces such as "Pour la patrie" and "La Muse des bois" gaining public attention. Throughout his career, Lefeuvre created numerous notable works, including a statue of Jeanne d'Arc (1875), "L'Adolescence" (1876), and "Saint Michel" for Santa Maria Annunziata in Borgo. One of his well-known works, "Les Fondeurs du Moyen ge," exhibited at the Exposition Universelle in 1900, showcased his expertise in using tin and bronze. Lefeuvre's sculptures often depicted historical and allegorical themes, exemplified by works like "Après le travail" (1885) and "Le Repos" (bronze). His contributions to art were recognized in institutions like the Musée d'Orsay, which houses several of his pieces.