Sculpture, ca. 1894

Made by Georges Bareau, France
Titled "David before Saul"
Cast bronze, marble base

Bareau's neo-classical sculpture portrays an Old Testament account of the young shepherd David who is summoned to the court of King Saul to play the harp and recite poetry. Nude and draped figures such as this one were important in the well-furnished Victorian home. The classical idealization of the human figure as the embodiment of virtue and beauty had overwhelming appeal. Rather than being expensive works of art, these figures were often mass-produced objects.

Gift of Gordon Garretson, Springfield, IL (1982.62.1)

Metal

© Illinois State Museum 31-Dec-96