19th Century French Gilt Bronze Statue Of A Triumphant Madonna

A beautiful 19th Century French Gilt Bronze Statue of A Triumphant Madonna by the Barbedienne Foundry.

Also called the Virgin Triumphant over the Serpent, The Virgin Mary appears here dressed in a long cloak, standing on a globe and treading on The Serpent.
She stands full of wisdom on the globe, not only terrestrial, but celestial (here just represented by a half sphere), with open hands, she dominates and protects the whole world, from Temptation and Evil in the guise of the Serpent.
We read in the Gospel of Luke: “Behold: I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy”
Yet despite the task at hand the Madonna’s face remains serene and flawless.

The Bronze is beautifully carved and chiseled a beautiful representation of the difficult battle of good over evil.

France, Paris circa 1870

France 19th Century c.H: 11.81"Reference number: R-463