Large Heavy, Fantastic Quality Bronze Classical Grouping – “The Chiron Instructing Achilles” – Attributed to François Rude (French, 1784–1855)

An exceptional quality large, heavy bronze classical grouping portraying  the centaur (1/2 man, 1/2 horse) teaching the young warrior archery. At one end of the grouping is a large snake and a tree stump. The other end shows a lyre in a pile of material. The centaur has flowing robes and a quiver of arrows at his back.

The sculpture is taken after a painting by French artist – JEAN-BAPTISTE REGNAULT (1754-1829)
and the bronze attributed to  Francois Rude (French, 1784–1855) – foundry unknown.

The bronze is unsigned.  Dates  mid-19th century.

The grouping measures 18 inches long from the end of the centaur’s tail to the other end and is 8 inches wide.  The grouping stands 17 inches tall.

Another example of this bronze from a Christie’s auction is pictured.