In 1897, a sculpture of General Napoleon Bonaparte created by Jean-Léon Gérôme was displayed in the Salon de Paris and later purchased by the French government. Today, a replica of this sculpture can be acquired for $198,000 at Rau Antiques.

The bronze, ivory and wood sculpture evokes the feeling of Egypt’s defeat at the hands of Bonaparte. The sculpture uses a chryselephantine style of sculpture to recreate an image of the infamous general atop his horse.

The chryselephantine technique used by Gérôme can be viewed in ancient Greek temples, in the creations of Zeus and like Greek gods. The method consists of draping wood sculptures with gold, bronze and ivory to create god-like artistic pieces.

Gérôme, a french painter who studied with the renowned Paul Delaroche, has received numerous accolades within the art community. Some of these accolades include becoming a member of the Order of the Red Eagle, an honor entrusted to him by Prussian Emperor Wilhelm I.

The artist is best known for his painting of Napolean in “ Bonaparte Before the Sphinx” and the “ Pollice Verso” artistic work that made the “thumbs down” sign popular.

Gérôme’s latest chryselephantine art piece for sale is sure to excite any avid art collector or historian.

For more information, please visit www.rauantiques.com

-AP