EMILE LOUIS PICAULT (Paris, 1833 - 1915). "Le Devouement. Patinated bronze. Signed on the base. Measurements: 57 x 20 x 20 cm. Sculptor and medallist, Émile Louis Picault was a disciple of the Dutch sculptor Louis Royer. He developed his activity in Paris, and participated in the Salons des Artistes Français between 1863 and 1909. His success at the Salons brought him great recognition and his works were in great demand. His abundant oeuvre focused mainly on allegorical and literary themes, figures of warriors and mythological heroes, often accompanied by slogans in Latin or French. He also produced works inspired by the Modern Age, in the "art troubadour" style, worked in a style close to that of the neo-Florentines. His pieces have been the subject of numerous editions in bronze by prestigious firms such as Susse and Colin et Houdebine. Émile Picault is currently represented in the French museums of Orsay, Chambery, Clermont-Ferrard, Troyes and Mauberge, as well as in the Renfe Contemporary Sculpture collection.