The group of about 100 French bronzes in the Wallace Collection is justly considered one of the finest such collections in the world. They were acquired by just three men, the third and the fourth marquesses of Hartford and the latter's son, Sir Richard Wallace, during the first 75 years of the 19th century. Fifty-one of the finest French bronzes in the Wallace Collection are featured in this book, an in-depth study of the subject. They range in date from 1570 to 1840, but are richest in the period around 1700, the "golden age" of the French bronze. Among them are the two most valuable items in the collection of Louis XIV, and fine bronzes made for his predecessor, Louis XIII, and of his ancestor, Charles IX. Each sculpture is reproduced in colour, the majority for the first time, supplemented by detailed views or related material in black and white. The concise accompanying text for each entry explains the subject matter, considers stylistic and attributional issues, and provides details regarding facture and provenance.
Introductory essays provide a brief history of French bronze statuettes, an exploration of the Founders' taste for them, and an examination of their casting and finishing techniques.