Lot 22: GEORGES MALISSARD FRENCH, 1877-1942

LE MARÉCHAL FOCH SUR SON FAMEUX CHEVAL BENGALI (AN EQUESTRIAN PORTRAIT OF MARSHALL FOCH)

measurements note
bronze: 46.5 by 48cm., 18 1/4 by 19in. base: 2.5cm., 1in.

signed and dated: Geo. Malissard 1919, inscribed © and BAGUÉS FRERES C ^o

bronze, dark brown patina on veined green marble base

NOTE

This version of Malissard's equestrian statue of Ferdinand Foch (1851-1929), the Supreme Allied Commander during World War I who accepted the German surrender in 1918, is an earlier version of the famous memorial statue opposite Victoria Station in Grosvenor Gardens. Dated 1919, it depicts Foch at the height of his power, the same year he was created a British Field Marshal. A second version of Malissard's Victoria memorial was erected at Foch's former headquarters at Mont Cassel in 1928.

Malissard, rather like Adrian Jones in England, was best known as a sculptor of horses. His group of an American Expeditionary Force 'Doughboy' probably dates to this time.