148 - DUBRAY (Vital-Gabriel, Marquis known as Vital Dubray) (1813–1892).

DUBRAY (Vital-Gabriel, Marquis known as Vital Dubray) (1813–1892). French sculptor, a student of Jules Ramey. Creator of numerous monumental sculptures, notably historical statues and public monuments, including the cast-iron Neptune group, which can be found in several cities in France and abroad.Autograph letter signed “Dubray Vital” to “My dear Mr. Tardieu.” No place, August 9, 1859. 2 pages, in-8 format, on blue laid paper. An interesting letter concerning the creation of a statue of the painter and sculptor Jean-Baptiste Poitier, intended for the Salon, and the difficulties the artist encountered in completing his work. “Will you please accept our country dinner next Thursday this time? If you refuse me, would you like to visit Vesuvius together that same day? Good heavens, you’re so hard to pry away!” Dubray invites his correspondent to visit him and announces his intention to show him his statue: “You’ll have the pleasure of seeing Poitier’s statue at the Salon, but unfortunately it will only be on display for 15 days […]. The critics will barely have time to pounce on me—what a shame, since it’s so easy to bash an established artist.” ” In a second letter, dated April 8, 1864, the sculptor again refers to the difficulties of his career and the criticism his work has faced: “We have never forgotten Vesuvius and the group we formed there; it is an indelible memory… ” He also reminds his correspondent that he is awaiting his opinion on a scale model of an equestrian statue: “The scale model of my equestrian statue […] is therefore waiting to be shown to you soon… ” This correspondence illustrates the relationships between artists, the challenges of presenting works at the Salon, and the concerns of a sculptor during the Second Empire. Some old creases, slight foxing, and minor signs of wear. In good overall condition.