Emmanuel Fremiet Bronze, The Char de Minerve, Barbedienne Foundry

Emmanuel Fremiet (France, 1824-1910) gilt bronze figural sculpture titled "The Char de Minerve" depicting the goddess Minerva dressed for battle, holding a shield in her left hand and an olive branch in her right hand, standing and driving a chariot led by three horses with a coiled snake by her side, all on an oval naturalistic base. Signed on the base E. FREMIET and also stamped F. BARBEDIENNE FONDEUR PARIS. Presentation inscription along the outer base edge reading A J.H. RICARD, INGENIEUR AGRONOME ANCIEN MINISTRE DE L'AGRICULTURE SES AMIS, A L'OCCASION DE SA PROMOTION AU GRADE D'OFFICIER DE LA LEGION D'HONNEUR OCTOBRE 1923. 21" H x approx. 20 1/2" W x 11" D. Early 20th century.
Condition Report: Older surface. Some bending to helmet comb/plume. The original sword or long spear held in the female's right hand absent.