Finely cast equestrian bronze statue on a sienna marble base.

Mignon was a pupil at the Académie Royale des Beaux-Arts in Liège, studying under Drion. He worked in Rome, Florence and Paris and studied for a while under Paul de Vigne. He specialised in groups showing bullfights and equestrian figures but also sculpted exotic animals and historical subjects, such as the present work, together with several Belgian personalities. Of his public sculpture his Man with Bull can be seen in Liège. After travels in Italy, he set up a studio in Paris before returning to Belgium. A retrospective exhibition of his works was held in Liège in 1905.

This model depicts Lady Godiva, the 11th Century wife of Leofric, Earl of Mercia. According to legend she rode naked through the streets of Coventry in an effort to convince her husband to lift the heavy taxes imposed by him on the townspeople.

A quite exceptional version of this work. At 68 cm high it is the largest version and probably the first and only casting of this size. The sculpture has good consistent dark brown patina and the bronze is presented on a sienna marble base with gilt bronze guard. Mignon captures a remarkable sense of movement by portraying Lady Godiva’s fine flowing hair and the horse’s mane with consummate flourish.

Signed: L. Mignon with title plaque inscribed Lady Godiva.

Height: 25.75 inches (65.5 cm)
Width: 23.62 inches (60 cm)

Condition: an impressive piece with fine original dark brown patination.

References:

Jacques Van Lennep: Catalogue de La Sculpture, Artistes nés entre 1750 et 1882.[Musées royaux des Beaux-Arts de Belgique 1992]

James Mackay: Sculptors in Bronze [Antique Collectors’ Club 1995]