Bronze Statue of an Oyster Gatherer

After one of the figures in the fountain by Jean Freour - "Les Laveuses d'Huîtres" in Cancale, France. Brown patina with slight verdigris flecks. Mounted to marble base. Nameplate in French, reading "Recognition of the former students of the Higher Institute of Fermentations to their founder Maurice Piron, 1893-1923." Signed Lucien Mathelin, a 19th century sculptor who exhibited at the 1887 Paris International Exposition. His name appears in registers throughout the the century, as early as 1867.

Condition: Very good overall. Bronze stands loose on base but has locator pins.